Why Every Musician Should Practice Yoga

It's January 2020 and I’m just two weeks away from becoming a registered Yoga Teacher — a milestone that fills me with both excitement and a touch of anxiety. These mixed emotions are familiar territory for me. As a musician and flute teacher, I’ve often wrestled with nerves before performances and exams.

My first yoga class felt like a breath of fresh air — a true “aha” moment. I remember thinking, why didn’t I discover this sooner? Since then, a consistent yoga practice has transformed how I approach my music. My breath control has improved, I feel more grounded and relaxed before performances, and I’ve released a lot of tension from my shoulders, neck, and jaw — all thanks to simple stretches and breathing techniques.

Why is yoga important, especially for musicians?

Yoga offers powerful benefits for musicians of all ages, skill levels, and genres. It’s a highly accessible form of physical activity that supports not only the body, but also the mind and emotions. Many professional musicians incorporate yoga into their routines to better handle the physical and mental demands of their craft.

As performers, we often face intense stress — surges of adrenaline, racing thoughts, and even the “deer in the headlights” feeling. These reactions are the body’s response to fear or pressure, often shutting down parts of the brain we rely on to perform.

Yoga helps train the body and mind to respond differently. While some poses may challenge us physically, breathing and relaxing into them teaches us to stay calm under pressure. Over time, this can rewire how we handle stress — both on and off the stage.

If you're curious to learn more, 🎵 I offer private 1:1 and group yoga classes tailored specifically for musicians.

If you’re interested in exploring how yoga can support your musical journey, feel free to reach out — I’d love to connect.