How to Find Music for a Kids' Yoga Class

Whether it's the chimes of an Indonesian gamelan ensemble or the steady beat of reggae, music naturally energizes people while they exercise. In a children's yoga class, music can help kids remain focused and motivated, although it also can be disruptive. When selecting music for your kids' yoga class, try to choose songs that will enhance your students' performance and enjoyment. There are several ways you can search for an appropriate classroom soundtrack.

Instructions

    • 1

      Sample albums specifically produced for kids' yoga classes. For example, Manhattan-based Karma Kids Yoga sells kids yoga CDs with music ranging from country to Eastern chanting. Since such CDs include a variety of genres, you will be able to see how your students react to different types of music. Karma Kids Yoga does not offer online shopping but the CDs are available for purchase at the studio and through several online retailers, such as Amazon, CDBaby and iTunes. Other options include singer-songwriters Kira Willey and Sammie Haynes, who offer albums designed for children's yoga classes.

    • 2

      Listen to your own music collection and select songs appropriate for your class. This may vary depending on the style of yoga you're teaching. Slow instrumental buildups, like those that bands Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai provide, are a great accompaniment for prolonged Iyengar poses, while the exultant chants of a Tibetan mantra can energize students during Kundalini yoga. Although music intended for adults won't have the charming lyrics found in kids' yoga albums, it still can captivate children and keep them motivated.

    • 3

      Explore new music on Internet radio sites, such as Last.fm and Pandora. When you log into them, these sites will prompt you for the name of a song or musician. They will then create a custom play list with similar music. If you have a song that works particularly well in your class, then using these sites will help you discover similar musicians.

    • 4

      Consult with other teachers of kids' yoga classes. If you don't know any in your area, you can meet them online. YogaKids is particularly well-suited for the task, as the site caters to children's yoga instructors and has an active community.

    • 5

      Test music in your class. Even songs specifically composed for kids' yoga won't always match the feel of your lesson plan. Try a variety of music while teaching and see how your students respond. When you find music that works well, concentrate on finding more songs like it.