Can you meditate with music? How to practice music meditation

Dec 12

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA

Can you listen to music while meditating? Yes, you can! Explore the benefits of music meditation and how to meditate with music using our 9 meditation tips.

While the idea of meditating with music might surprise you, many people find that music enhances their practice. Meditating with music allows you to combine the calm of meditation with the rhythm and flow of music. When paired correctly, blending your favorite tunes with your meditation practice can be very soothing.

Although it can be a valuable addition to your practice, it might not be for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just starting, you’ve come to the right place to learn how to meditate with music.

Can you meditate with music?

Meditation comes in many forms, just like painting or cooking. In some, silence is key, but in others, music plays a central role. Music meditation is a type of meditation where the sounds are not just background noise—they are a part of the practice. For some people, the right music can help deepen their meditation, making it easier to relax and focus. Others might find that even the softest melody is too much and prefer the sound of silence.

It's a personal choice, and what works for one person might not work for another. That's perfectly normal! If you're at all curious about whether music and meditation can work for you, the best way is to give it a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy the combination, or it might confirm that silence is your preferred way to meditate. The beauty of meditation is in its flexibility—there's room for everyone's preferences.

What are the pros and cons of music meditation?

Our experiences with music meditation can be as unique as our taste in music. There's no right or wrong choice here. The key to music meditation is finding what works for you. It's all about what helps you find that sense of calm and focus in your meditation. It's a personal journey, and the music that helps you meditate today might be different from what helps you tomorrow.

The advantages of music meditation

Music can be a tool to help you relax: Just like a comfy chair or a warm blanket, the right song can make it easier to settle into your meditation.
Music can help to create a personal space: With headphones on, it's just you and the music, which can feel like being in your own world.
Music can set the right mood: Sometimes, the right track can help bring out the emotion or state of mind you're aiming for in your meditation.

The disadvantages of music meditation

Music might grab too much of your attention: Instead of helping you meditate, the music could start to take over your focus.
Music taste is subjective: Everyone likes different kinds of music, so what helps one person meditate might not help another. It's very personal, and finding the right music can take some trial and error.
Music can get in the way: Some people just prefer the sound of silence when they meditate. For them, music might feel like it's breaking the peace they're looking for.

3 benefits of meditation music

The only way to know if meditation music is your thing is to try it out. You might find a whole new way to enjoy your meditation practice, or you might realize you prefer quiet. Either way, you're learning more about what helps you meditate best. Here are three good reasons to give it a try, in addition to all the amazing health benefits of meditation.

1. Less stress and anxiety

Music may offer support when it comes to lowering stress and anxiety. Listening to calm, soothing music can help you unwind after a long day, so adding music to your meditation practice can help enhance the relaxing benefits of music.

2. Improved focus

Another great thing about pairing meditation and music is that it may improve your focus. Music with lyrics might be distracting, but instrumental, lo-fi, or ambient music can help with focus. With the right instrumental track, your thoughts may stop jumping around, and you might find it easier to concentrate.

3. A boost in productivity

Lastly, meditation music may give your productivity a boost. When you're relaxed and focused, you can get things done more efficiently. It's like when your workspace is clean and organized, and you know exactly where everything is—you just work better.

How to meditate with music: 9 tips for music meditation

When you decide to bring music into your meditation, here are some straightforward tips to help you make the most of it. Just like any other form of meditation, it's all about finding what works for you. And if you find that music isn't your thing, that's okay too. There are many ways to meditate, and you can always explore other methods—like a silent nature meditation—to find your moment of peace.

1. Choose your meditation music carefully

Pick tunes that feel calming to you. It could be nature sounds, gentle instruments, or even slow-paced songs without words.

💙 Select a music option that is free of lyrics. Try Infinite Lo-fi for Focus

2. Keep the volume low

Set your music to a soft volume so it supports your meditation without overpowering your thoughts. If you’re new to meditating with music, you can try a lower volume first, then try raising the volume slightly to see what feels best.

3. Start with short music meditation sessions

Begin with a short meditation with just one or two songs and see how it feels. You can always add more as you get used to it.

💙 Try this short session to help you Reset with the Breath.

4. Experiment with different genres

If one type of music isn't helping, try another. Meditation music comes in many styles, from classical to ambient.

5. Use music as a timer

If you’re newer to meditation and you feel restless while meditating, the duration of a song can help you to relax. Let the length of a song or playlist be the measure of your meditation time. When the music stops, you'll know you're done.

💙 Try this 5 minute Chopin Nocturne from our Chopin in the Rain playlist to practice a short 5 minute meditation.

6. Create a regular routine

If you find that you like meditating to music you can use music meditation as part of your daily practice. It may help your mind get ready to relax and focus, especially if you look forward to the music you play for meditation.

💙 If music isn’t feeling right for meditation try a soothing nature soundscape like Jasper Lake.

7. Pay attention to how you feel

Notice how different music affects your mood and thoughts. Use what works best for you.

8. Don't worry about perfection

It's okay if your mind wanders or if you don't feel totally calm every time you meditate. Meditation is a practice, you aren’t supposed to do it perfectly.

9. Remember to breathe

Let your breath flow naturally with the music. It can help you stay centered and calm. If you find that the music you’re using is too uptempo to help you relax into the breath, try an option that’s slower and feels more natural with the rise and fall of your breathing.

Can you meditate with music FAQs

Is it okay to meditate with music on?

Yes, it's absolutely okay to meditate with music on. Many people find that calming music helps them focus and relax during meditation. It's important to choose music that you find soothing and that doesn't distract you. The goal is to aid your meditation practice, not disrupt it.

Is it better to meditate in silence or with music?

The choice between meditating in silence or with music really depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer silence as it allows them to focus inward without external distractions. Others find music helps create a relaxing atmosphere that enhances their meditation experience. Try both ways and see which works best for you.

Is it OK to meditate to sounds?

Absolutely! Meditating to sounds, such as nature sounds or gentle music, can be very effective. These sounds can help you feel more relaxed and present. For example, listening to the sound of waves or a gentle breeze can enhance your meditation experience by providing a calming background.

Is it OK to meditate with headphones?

Yes, it's perfectly fine to meditate with headphones. In fact, headphones can help you focus on your meditation music or sounds without being distracted by outside noise. Just make sure the volume is at a comfortable level and the headphones are cozy, so they don't distract you during your meditation session.

Calm your mind. Change your life.

Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.

Calm Editorial Team