Writing Your Best Yoga Playlist

Writing a playlist for class isn’t as simple as adding all your fave songs to a list and pressing go. There are a thousand things to keep in mind—the body to breath connection you’re looking to augment only one among them. How do you create something that keeps people engaged in movement that also allows them to go deep into their mind at the same time? Writing a yoga playlist is an artform, and can be daunting, especially if you’re a new teacher. We asked world-renowned yoga DJs Sol Rising and Jesse Blake to share some of their secrets.

Want to experience their smooth stylings IRL? See them live at a Wanderlust 108 this fall! Catch DJ Sol Rising in Portland or Brooklyn, and DJ Jesse Blake in Washington DC or Tampa. Tickets on sale now.

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DJ Jesse Blake’s Top 3 Tips

Consider dividing your class into sections based on overall energy and intensity. Then think about the music for each section based on energy level, rather than the specific content, genre or style of music. Most yoga classes have a narrative arc of energy and creating a playlist that mirrors that energy level as class unfolds can yield way better results than worrying about playing a specific style of music or vibe.

The music in your class should be a genuine reflection of your own musical tastes! There’s no right or wrong music for a yoga class. As long as the energy of the music is in resonance with what the bodies in the room are doing at a given time (see #1 above!), the most important thing is that you genuinely feel the music you’re playing. Ideally the music is part of your self-expression and can help you differentiate your style as a teacher.

Consider using music specifically designed for yoga (a great example is this guy here—spoiler alert, it’s me!) My music often has lots of ebbs and flows, so it can work in multiple energy environments and can feel like it’s changing as your class does. In addition, lots of yoga music is instrumental, which is great because then the music doesn’t compete with your voice and instruction.

Get an original playlist from DJ Jesse Blake here!

DJ Sol Rising’s Top 3 Tips

Create a structure. Map out the class in terms of a basic yoga flow. An example of a basic structure is Opening, Build, Sun Salutations, Peak, Land, and Rest. Creating a structure helps to organize your music. Sections can also be further broken down. For example within Land, I’ll create an ambient and beats section.

Structure Example:

1. Opening
2. Build
3. Surya A/B
4. Peak
5. Land (Beats, Ambient)
6. Rest

Organize your music. After you have created a structure, music can be arranged into different categories.  I recommend having a master playlist that organizes tracks for the basic structure of a class.   When you are creating a playlist for a specific class you will be able to pull from the master playlist in an organized manner.

Make sure music is enhancing not distracting! It’s important to make sure that the music complements the class and is not a distraction. Things to be mindful of are volume, whether the music fits the sequencing, vocal vs instrumental, tempo and energy. I always tell people to not be afraid to turn the volume down if the music becomes distracting or no longer fits the flow. Choose tracks that have a warm feel to them without harsh or abrasive elements that can disrupt and take people out of their practice. Also make sure that the teachers voice can be heard over the music and is not clashing with vocals or other instruments. Instrumental music is generally a safer option but that does not mean vocals cannot be used.

Get an original playlist from DJ Sol Rising here!

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