To play music or to not play music?

To answer this question, I think it’s up to the teacher, what the teacher is offering their students and how the students are responding. I don’t usually play music while practicing on my own, but lately I’ve been dabbling here and there with a bit of music while I’m teaching. So far, the response from my students has been quite positive! And, it’s fun to experiment, why not?!

Music can invoke strong emotions, taking us to places we resist. It can shiver our skin, bring us to our knees and lift us high up to the sky. It’s magical, it’s powerful, it tells a story, shares a history, a joy, a pain and in so many ways, it speaks to the infinite mystery that resides within all of us. It many ways it can guide us to an inner place called home.

Here are my current top five:

 1. Porcelain by Moby.

Great for warming up with Sun Salutations. Teach the students Sun A, then play the music and allow them to go at their own pace for the duration of the song. It’s fun!

2. Teardrop by Massive Attack.

Explore the flow, twists and turns to this mellow beat.

3. Olsen Olsen by Sigur Ros.

Soft and just so Sigur Ros. If you’re anything like me, their songs always squeeze my heart and make my eyes water.

4. Across the Universe by Rufus Wainwright.

Jai Guru Deva Om. I love this song. Great for cooling down, preparing for final resting pose, savasana.

5. Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley.

So beautiful. Perfect for preparing for final resting pose.

What’s your favourite?

What tells your story? What moves your students, your soul, your spirit?