How to Create a Yoga Playlist

Create an awesome playlist.

Music sets the tone for your yoga class. Setting the mood for students makes all the difference between students really letting go emotionally, physically and spiritually in yoga. Many students will tell you that music in yoga that is all chants (for example, solely using Krishna Das) can be boring. Why not mix it up with a playlist that is modern and fun and also matches the tempo class?

Instructions

Create Your Playlist

1. It helps to have access to iTunes; if you do not, you can always scan your CD collection and then upload them onto your computer. From there, you can burn discs. However, it's much easier to use iTunes to pick songs and then "drag" songs onto an iPod. An iPod is an invaluable gadget for a yoga teacher because it allows you to have all your playlists in one handy place.

2. Decide what the mood of class will be. Will you teach a vigorous, active flow? Or, will class be mellow, gentle and restorative? Pick songs that match the feel of your class. Pick about 12 songs if your class is one hour long. Be sure to pick a mix of slow and fast music. Here's why: your class builds like a rollercoaster. Many times, you will start class seated. Be sure to start a class with music that is just a melody--no words--so that you can speak to students about centering and using the breath without the interruption of dialogue in a song.

3. The formula is key. Start with three slow songs, then build to faster songs as the pace of your class builds. After that, start to take the tempo of the music all the way down as your class ends with savasana. The music will take your students on a journey that mirrors the pace of the yoga flow.

4. Here is an example:
   "From Where I Am" by Enya
   "Fragile" by Sting
   "Breathe Me" by Sia
   "Everyday Is A Winding Road" by Sheryl Crow
   "Desert Rose" by Sting
   "Carnival" by Natalie Merchant
   "Baby Can I Hold You" by Tracy Chapman
   "Little Wonders" by Rob Thomas
   "Gravity" by John Mayer
   "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star
   "Come To Me" by Wah!
   "Glow" by Donna Delory
   "Deep Bamboo" by Steven Halpern
   "Savasana" by Sacred Earth

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to mix contemporary music you love with yoga music. Many students love the mix of the two. Use common sense as well; refrain from using music with foul language, sexual connotations and anything religious. You don't want to offend anyone.

• According to Music Industry Piracy Investigations, you must obtain the proper license to legitimately use purchased music in dance/group/yoga classes. In other words, purchasing music from iTunes only gives you the right to use the music for private or domestic use. The owner of a studio needs a public performance license. To learn more, visit www.mipi.com.

References

• Yoga Journal
• Music Industry Piracy Investigations