Music and Yoga: Finding Your Perfect Flow

If there’s one thing almost everyone loves, it’s music. But when it comes to what kind of music fits best—especially in yoga—the opinions vary widely.

For some yogis, music is a powerful tool that helps deepen their practice, providing a kind of escape that allows them to tune in more fully. Yet, many traditional yoga lineages like Bikram and Ashtanga don’t incorporate music at all. And among those that do, the soundtrack is usually quite specific—think soft chanting and harmonium tunes. You won’t find classic rock, heavy metal, or pop music in most longstanding yoga traditions, although some modern yoga styles have embraced these genres as part of their practice.

The debate over whether music belongs in yoga continues.

From my experience, yogis generally fall into two camps: those who love practicing with music, and those who believe yoga should be silent. Personally, I enjoy both—and it really depends on the style of yoga I’m practicing or teaching.

For example, during a dynamic Vinyasa flow or a powerful Rocket Yoga session, I find that upbeat music can help maintain energy and focus. On the other hand, for a slow, restorative Yin class, calming classical or relaxing melodies work beautifully. When I practice Ashtanga, I usually prefer silence, but if I do use music at home, it’s often traditional Indian music.

Music often helps me switch off from daily distractions—whether it’s worrying about dinner plans, cleaning, or what to wear tomorrow. As a musician myself, I deeply understand how music can influence us emotionally and physically. That’s why I’ve curated playlists tailored to the flow and mood of my yoga classes. I also appreciate moments of silence myself, and I know many others do too so i always leave silence before bringing people round from Savasana.

Ultimately, the relationship between music and yoga is a personal one. Why not experiment with both and discover what feels right for you?