Yoga songs don't have to be slow, boring or traditional. Though many students come into a yoga studio expecting Sanskrit chants, yoga teachers can choose any music they like for classes. The best yoga songs are ones that help your yoga students achieve a productive practice -- and that criteria can span many genres.
History
Traditional yoga music is based on devotional mantras and call-and-answer chants from the Indian tradition, according to "Yoga Journal." You can find this type of music in both traditional recordings or in more recent mantra fusion albums. Mantra fusion mixes ancient chants with inspirational English lyrics and incorporates electronica, pop and hip-hop beats. A few mantra artists include Jai Uttal, Wah!, Lokah and MC Yogi.
Ethnic
A yoga class is a way to introduce your students to cultural music they might not hear on the radio -- not just Indian, but African, South American and Hawaiian. According to "Yoga Journal," for example, Brazilian music is the undercurrent of mantra-fusion artist Jai Uttal's album "Thunder Love." Cover songs with a worldly flair, such as Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's ukulele-fueled "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," are another popular choice.
Contemporary
Contemporary pop and rock songs can also be used in yoga classes; you're not limited to international choices. Many people, especially those used to going to dance or aerobics classes, like moving to a beat and may match their yoga breaths to the rhythm of whatever song is playing. Keep this in mind if you're a yoga instructor, and select songs that provide an effective tempo for breathing.
Resources
You can find suggestions for yoga class playlists in many fitness magazines, as well as via user-created playlists on sites like iTunes. Your public library may have free CDs available for checkout. You can also ask your students what kind of music they'd like to listen to while they practice. Consider hiring a live drummer or other musicians for a special live yoga class.
Member Comments