When I was introduced to yoga, I was introduced to the kind that involved music of some sort in the back ground. I also remember always using music to run back in the day, and would never go for a run without it...Then I remember trying running without music, and it was extremely meditative...hearing my breath, listening to the birds, my feet hitting the ground, cars passing by, people talking, etc...I began to like it...and the plus side was that I didn't need to carry something extra with me...
So, on to yoga...
One day, in class, we practiced without music. I remember feeling very frustrated and agitated at little things around me and within myself...probably things I would ignore had I had the music to distract me... then as we kept practicing, day after day, musicless (I know it's not a word), I began to enjoy it. Hearing the entire class breathing together as one, especially during Surya Namaskara, where there's a particular placement of the breath to the postures, was a magical experience to me.
When music is playing, we get lost in the lyrics, or the beat, or whatever...if we know the song well, we sing along with it in our heads. That's just how we are wired. But I noticed that when there is music playing, it's actually more difficult to focus on the words of the teacher and on the body and mind. Actually, I feel that with music, it's almost more advanced, because it requires so much extra effort to focus. I for one like to practice both with and without music, but I wanted to lay out a few of the pros and cons of each. Sometimes, when I teach, I do so without music, because it gives the students a new experience and a different perspective on practice...showing that music is not necessary for the experience...it's actually kind of a luxury.
The PROS of music in yoga classes:
1. It is something to focus on.
Some music, like instrumental, non vocal, or mantra, can create a positive inner dialogue, or just create a comfortable atmosphere for the students and teachers.
2. It creates a mood.
Slow music for yin/restorative classes, and up beat music for yang/fast paced classes. Music choice for the type of class that is being taught is crucial and could make or break a class, believe it or not.
3. Gives the instructor and students a sense of time.
the instructor can use music as a timer instead of a watch, and the students can feel a sense of ease having something like music (how many songs have played, and so on) as an awareness of time passing, and not feeling so much like "when is it going to end?" (great for beginners)
The CONS of music in yoga classes:
1. Not everyone appreciates the same music
I've been in classes before, where people are like "I hate this song." or "omg, make it stop." Of course, I've had teachers who straight out ask us to tell them if the music is bothersome, and they change it or turn it completely off if it is.
2. Music can bring up emotions
I've actually cried because of a song, felt angry because of a song, and felt excited because of a song. I'm sensitive like that, and so are a lot of people out there. It's important to explore the emotions we are feeling. "Where is this emotion coming from, and what has triggered it? What can I do to soothe what I am feeling and to use it as a learning tool? Is it coming from the music, or is it coming from my body?"
3. Music can be distracting
I've been in classes where people start talking about the music, getting distracted from the practice and stating things like "I saw them in concert once" or again, "I hate this music" or "I can't believe you've never heard of them!" etc. It's like derailing the train of practice, and distracting for everyone. Including the instructor.
--
I do not oppose the inclusion of music in yoga classes, so long as it is not distracting. A lot of times, the asana itself will bring out latent emotions, particularly heart and hip openers (for me personally), and I feel that it is important to bring our awareness to those places inside of ourselves, rather than distract ourselves from them with something on the outside.
When I do choose to include music in a class I teach, or even when I am practicing in my home, I like to steer clear of negative messages, sexual messages, drug references, party references, etc. I like to steer more towards either mantra music, instrumental music, or music that sends an over all positive message, like Matisyahu "live like a warrior" for example. A lot of times, my home practice is silent.
When we are in a class, and we have no control over music choice, and we absolutely hate the music, it is our responsibility to block out the music and just focus on the words of the instructor, and the movement of our body. If that's just not cutting it, after class, pull the instructor aside and simply let them know how you feel. Most instructors love getting feedback from their students. I know I do. We are here to serve, and we are always looking for ways to improve our skills and teaching techniques. Don't be shy :)
And instructors, when a student gives you feedback, remember not to take it personally. It's just feed back. They probably read this blog. ;) Chances are, if they are still coming to your class, they really like your teaching and most likely, they really like YOU. Don't sweat it. Just receive the information and use it to guide you to improving your methods.
I hope you enjoyed my insight for today. It came to me quickly. Be well.
NAMASTE <3 p="">
So, on to yoga...
One day, in class, we practiced without music. I remember feeling very frustrated and agitated at little things around me and within myself...probably things I would ignore had I had the music to distract me... then as we kept practicing, day after day, musicless (I know it's not a word), I began to enjoy it. Hearing the entire class breathing together as one, especially during Surya Namaskara, where there's a particular placement of the breath to the postures, was a magical experience to me.
When music is playing, we get lost in the lyrics, or the beat, or whatever...if we know the song well, we sing along with it in our heads. That's just how we are wired. But I noticed that when there is music playing, it's actually more difficult to focus on the words of the teacher and on the body and mind. Actually, I feel that with music, it's almost more advanced, because it requires so much extra effort to focus. I for one like to practice both with and without music, but I wanted to lay out a few of the pros and cons of each. Sometimes, when I teach, I do so without music, because it gives the students a new experience and a different perspective on practice...showing that music is not necessary for the experience...it's actually kind of a luxury.
The PROS of music in yoga classes:
1. It is something to focus on.
Some music, like instrumental, non vocal, or mantra, can create a positive inner dialogue, or just create a comfortable atmosphere for the students and teachers.
2. It creates a mood.
Slow music for yin/restorative classes, and up beat music for yang/fast paced classes. Music choice for the type of class that is being taught is crucial and could make or break a class, believe it or not.
3. Gives the instructor and students a sense of time.
the instructor can use music as a timer instead of a watch, and the students can feel a sense of ease having something like music (how many songs have played, and so on) as an awareness of time passing, and not feeling so much like "when is it going to end?" (great for beginners)
The CONS of music in yoga classes:
1. Not everyone appreciates the same music
I've been in classes before, where people are like "I hate this song." or "omg, make it stop." Of course, I've had teachers who straight out ask us to tell them if the music is bothersome, and they change it or turn it completely off if it is.
2. Music can bring up emotions
I've actually cried because of a song, felt angry because of a song, and felt excited because of a song. I'm sensitive like that, and so are a lot of people out there. It's important to explore the emotions we are feeling. "Where is this emotion coming from, and what has triggered it? What can I do to soothe what I am feeling and to use it as a learning tool? Is it coming from the music, or is it coming from my body?"
3. Music can be distracting
I've been in classes where people start talking about the music, getting distracted from the practice and stating things like "I saw them in concert once" or again, "I hate this music" or "I can't believe you've never heard of them!" etc. It's like derailing the train of practice, and distracting for everyone. Including the instructor.
--
I do not oppose the inclusion of music in yoga classes, so long as it is not distracting. A lot of times, the asana itself will bring out latent emotions, particularly heart and hip openers (for me personally), and I feel that it is important to bring our awareness to those places inside of ourselves, rather than distract ourselves from them with something on the outside.
When I do choose to include music in a class I teach, or even when I am practicing in my home, I like to steer clear of negative messages, sexual messages, drug references, party references, etc. I like to steer more towards either mantra music, instrumental music, or music that sends an over all positive message, like Matisyahu "live like a warrior" for example. A lot of times, my home practice is silent.
When we are in a class, and we have no control over music choice, and we absolutely hate the music, it is our responsibility to block out the music and just focus on the words of the instructor, and the movement of our body. If that's just not cutting it, after class, pull the instructor aside and simply let them know how you feel. Most instructors love getting feedback from their students. I know I do. We are here to serve, and we are always looking for ways to improve our skills and teaching techniques. Don't be shy :)
And instructors, when a student gives you feedback, remember not to take it personally. It's just feed back. They probably read this blog. ;) Chances are, if they are still coming to your class, they really like your teaching and most likely, they really like YOU. Don't sweat it. Just receive the information and use it to guide you to improving your methods.
I hope you enjoyed my insight for today. It came to me quickly. Be well.
NAMASTE <3 p="">
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