Beyond Silence; Music’s effects on a yoga practice

Last week I played a chosen track to accompany the final relaxation.. I did have an ulterior motive 😆.. I carried the speaker around with me to help disguise the fact that I was placing chocolate Easter eggs beside everybody’s mat.

Feedback afterwards was that it felt like being in a soundbath because I was moving with the speaker; some people loved it and said that it really added to their experience.

I have always been wary about playing music in classes as it could result in something that I choose isn’t enjoyable to somebody else. I’m sure we’ve all experienced going to a class and there’s a song or a sound that just doesn’t feel good for you and it could become distracting. (Also in restorative yoga the idea is to not engage your senses; so by playing music your sense of sound is “on”. )

When I teach in Studios I do play music (that is the norm in that environment) and I do play music when I know there’s going to be external noises or if I’m in a shared space.

I’m aware that sometimes silence makes people feel uncomfortable.. but then on the other hand how often do you get the chance to be in that complete quiet through the noise of our everyday lives? And again, I get feedback from people enjoying and being able to experience that kind of quiet.

There’s no right answer here as always, it’s completely subjective but it did get me thinking….

Pros of Music in Yoga Classes

Creates Atmosphere: Gentle, ambient sounds can contribute in creating a serene environment.

Helps with Focus: For many practitioners, especially beginners, music provides a focal point that helps quiet the "monkey mind." Though I do pride myself in supporting and giving tools (that don’t include music) to help with the monkey mind.

Masks Distracting Sounds: Music can cover up potentially distracting noises from outside the studio or from other students, helping maintain a more immersive experience.

Emotional Connection: Music often evokes emotional responses that can deepen the yoga experience.. but this can also work in the opposite and engage emotions which again isn’t something we want to switch “on” in restorative yoga.

Cons of Music in Yoga Classes

Distracts from Inner Focus: Traditional yoga emphasizes turning inward and cultivating awareness of breath and subtle sensations. Music may pull attention outward, away from this internal experience.

May Create Dependency: Regular practice with music might make it difficult to maintain focus during silent practice, potentially limiting a practitioner's ability to practice in different environments.

Personal Taste Varies: Musical preferences are highly subjective. What inspires one student might irritate another, making it difficult for teachers to select universally appealing tracks.

Drowns Out Breath: Music may make it harder to maintain awareness of the breath's natural rhythm.

Cultural Considerations: Using certain types of music, especially without understanding its cultural context, risks cultural appropriation or misalignment with yoga's philosophical roots.

Conclusion of my refreshed outlook:

Finding Balance; Using music for one part of the class (likely to be the final relaxation!)

I’m curious to know.. Do you find it enhances or detracts from your practice?

You can join me for weekly in-person classes in Comberbach and Northwich, and also from your home with my Gentle Mat & Chair live online classes. 

1-to-1 and Corporate classes are also available.