Hey DJ, Play that Song!

In the yoga community, there have been many great debates: When is the best time of day to practice? Is yoga ok for women who are menstruating? What about women who are pregnant? When to inhale, when to exhale? What is the best diet for a yogi? The conversations on these topics have been going on for years. But perhaps there is no greater debate than this:

Music…or no music?

Ok, so maybe it’s not a matter of life and death, but over the past few years, the issue of whether to play music in class has come to prominence. Opinions on the topic can be found in the pages of Yoga Journal, in online dialogues between YogaDorks, and seem to always be present in discussions amongst students at the different studios where I teach. This past month, the 889 Muse List appeared in the Tea Garden, on which students could write down their song requests for teachers to then incorporate into their class soundtracks. Personally, I really liked this idea and was pleased to see that many of the artists requested were already featured in my playlists. I still wonder, however, if there are students out there who prefer the more traditional yoga environment, where the only background noise is that of the breath, along with the instructor’s count.

When I practice along to music, it is usually when I am on my own in the studio, or at home doing self-practice. In most of the classes I take as a student, there is rarely music ever playing. In a Mysore room, students are practicing the Ashtanga series independently from one another, to the pace of their own Ujjayi breath. The rhythm of inhalations and exhalations can fill the room so completely, at times there is practically a cacophony of breath sounds.

In led classes, however, the rhythm of the breath can be difficult to maintain, given that students are being asked to practice according to the instructor’s pace. A few years ago, Diane Bruni of Downward Dog Yoga Centre in Toronto, realized the challenge breathing with intention presented for many of her students, and she developed the Ujjayi Pulse class, where a live drummer provides a steady, four-count beat. Diane incorporated this rhythm into her verbal cues, all the while maintaining the breath count: inhale… two… three… four… exhale… two… three… four. Practicing in unison while breathing in synchronicity fueled an energy in the room that was practically tangible. The class was immediately a hit, and remains so today.

One could therefore argue how much a leap it is from Ujjayi Pulse to the high-voltage vinyasa flow classes springing up everywhere from LA to New York, where Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, U2, and other rock bands provide the soundtrack for practice. Like most trends, rock n’ roll yoga is being met with mixed reviews from both fellow yogis who have shared their experiences with me, as well as online forums discussing whether music adds to or takes away from the yoga experience. Some practitioners are totally inspired, loving the combination of their favourite music with their favourite thing to do - yoga. Others are less enthused, and find music to be a complete distraction that keeps their minds wandering to lyrics and guitar riffs rather than focused on the postures at hand. Furthermore, it is essentially impossible to play music that all students in a class will enjoy equally, simply due to personal taste and preference.

In my experience as an instructor, however, there have been several instances where music has helped to motivate me through the class. While on certain days I choose not to add anything to a studio room already buzzing with energy and breath, there are certainly times when adding a soundtrack to the practice seems to reinvigorate everyone involved, myself included. Having grown up the daughter of a professional ballet and jazz dancer, I’ve seen firsthand the impact the right piece of music can have on a body that is designed to move. Just as my mom choreographed based on how the music made her feel, I often come upon a certain song or album that I simply cannot wait to use for one of my classes. When that music comes on during the practice, I feel instantly energized, and pass that energy along to my students.

So while I don’t think there is any one answer to the “music or no music” debate, there is definitely the opportunity for dialogue. I welcome your thoughts and feedback both on whether or not music is something that adds to your yoga experience. If you prefer to practice with music, what type? Who’s on your “Muse list”? Conversely, if you come to yoga class to get away from the sounds of pop culture and the outside world, share your thoughts on how a soundtrack is not what you’re looking for from class. I look forward to hearing your responses.