Elevating Your Yoga Practice or Yoga Video with the right royalty-free music5 min read

How does music, and specifically, royalty-free music, apply to Yoga practice?

If you are contemplating a yoga instruction app, video, or live, in-person yoga classes, you may want to consider – is the use of music relevant for this practice? Music, like the rhythm of our breath, can be an exquisite companion on our yogic journey, enhancing the mind-body connection and creating a harmonious atmosphere. Let’s explore how different styles and genres of music can complement various yoga practices, from the serene realms of Yin and Restorative to the dynamic flow of Ashtanga and Hatha, and even the precision of Iyengar yoga. And then look at some suitable music tracks from our extensive library of royalty-free music for yoga.

Yin and Restorative Yoga:

In the peaceful sanctuary of Yin and Restorative Yoga, where poses are held for extended periods, soft and soothing melodies are the key to unlocking the gateway to relaxation. Think of gentle tunes that evoke a sense of tranquility, such as ambient instrumental music, nature sounds, or soulful acoustic melodies. The goal is to create an environment that allows you to sink deeply into each pose, melting away tension and stress, and surrendering to the stillness within. 

🙏 Soothing and tranquil royalty free music tracks for Yin Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga:

For the dynamic and invigorating practice of Ashtanga Yoga, where the breath and movement flow seamlessly together, rhythmic music with a steady beat can become your perfect accomplice. Look for music with a consistent tempo that matches the pace of your Vinyasa sequences. Upbeat world music, tribal beats, or even some soul-stirring instrumental pieces can infuse your Ashtanga practice with an energizing drive, helping you maintain focus and synchronize your movements.

🙏 Instrumental Chill Out Soft Beat music tracks for Yoga

Hatha Yoga:

Hatha Yoga, the foundation of many modern yoga styles, emphasizes balance and alignment. To enhance your Hatha practice, opt for music that strikes a balance between calming and uplifting tones. Classical music, gentle folk tunes, or serene vocal chants can create a serene ambiance, allowing you to dive deeper into each posture and cultivate mindfulness.

🙏 Ambient royalty-free music tracks to enhance focus and balance

Iyengar Yoga:

In the precise and alignment-focused practice of Iyengar Yoga, music should ideally be used minimally or not at all during the instructional part of the session. The focus in Iyengar is on the teacher’s voice and the student’s attention to detail. However, during the relaxation or savasana portion, you can integrate soft, meditative music to help participants unwind and experience deep rejuvenation.

Ethereal and floating royalty-free music tracks for Shavasana

Obtaining the correct license to use Yoga music:

If you are using music for any other purpose than strictly personal listening, you will need to obtain a license for that music use. Most likely, the easiest way for you to handle this will be to obtain the music you need from a reliable source of royalty-free music, a.k.a. “stock music”. Shockwave-Sound.com has an extensive, professional library of royalty-free music for yoga practice, in which every track is curated and hand-picked and chosen out of artistic expression and production quality. 

Finding the Right Balance:

Regardless of the yoga style you practice, it’s essential to strike the right balance between the music and the inherent introspection of yoga. The music should support and complement your practice without overpowering the connection with your breath and inner self. Remember, the true essence of yoga lies in mindful awareness, and the music should be an aid rather than a distraction.

1. Create Playlists with Intention:
   Craft playlists that align with the theme or focus of your yoga practice. For instance, if your practice revolves around heart-opening poses, choose music tracks that evoke feelings of love and compassion. Let the music become an extension of your intention for that session.

2. Explore Traditional Yoga Chants:
   Traditional yoga chants, such as mantras or Sanskrit hymns, have been used for centuries to deepen the spiritual aspect of the practice. Incorporating these ancient vibrations can elevate the energy in the room and foster a profound sense of connection.

3. Mindful Volume Control:
   When using music during your yoga practice, be mindful of the volume. It should be audible enough to create an ambiance but not so loud that it overwhelms the space and drowns out the instructor’s guidance or your breath.

4. Silence is Golden:
   Sometimes, the most beautiful music in yoga is the sound of silence. Embrace moments of stillness and pause, allowing yourself to fully absorb the essence of each asana without any external distractions.

5. Experiment and Adapt:
   Just like our yoga practice evolves, so can our musical choices. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and genres. Allow your playlist to adapt and grow alongside your journey on the mat.

In conclusion, integrating music into your yoga practice can be a delightful exploration of harmonizing the senses and deepening your experience on the mat. Whether you’re flowing through Ashtanga, surrendering into Restorative, or finding balance in Hatha, the right music can be a soulful companion on your yogic path. Embrace the symphony of sound and movement, and let the rhythm of music and breath unite as one. Here at Shockwave-Sound we have a wide range of royalty-free music for Yoga practices and we’ll be happy to help you navigate and find what you need for your practice, for your yoga class, or for your yoga video.

As the great sage Patanjali once said, “When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world.” So, let the music lead you to this new, great, and wonderful world within yourself during your yoga practice. Om Shanti. Namaste.