A carefully chosen playlist can create a pleasant atmosphere, but music should never design the progression for you. Plan the movements and teaching progression first, and then decide whether music supports it or distracts from it.
Check That Instructions Remain Clear
Test the music volume from the back of the room, not just standing right beside the speaker. Heavy beats or lyrics can easily compete with your spoken cues. During a new or complex explanation, lowering or pausing the music is often much more effective than raising your voice.
Do Not Make the Beat Compulsory
A fast, rhythmic track may subconsciously encourage you to hurry a transition. Check that your students still have adequate time to orient themselves and choose their physical options. Their breathing and movement do not have to strictly follow the musical structure.
Prepare a Silent Version Too
Creasana · Workshop
Try it in your planning
- Try delivering a complex instruction with and without music playing.
- Listen to your studio’s speakers from different corners of the room.
- Identify two distinct moments in your plan where silence would serve the class better than music.
- Keep a version of your class in the Creasana app that does not depend on a playlist.
References for further exploration
These planning examples should be adapted to your group and training. References provide context for the topics discussed; they do not validate every example sequence.
