Tips for music and technique

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Hey All,
I teach an AFAA approved workshop called The Profile, The Music, The Ride.
It's all about how music can affect(for the better or worse) an indoor cycling class!
Music is soooo important and I totally agree with fellow posters to choose music that rocks your world. I like to call spinning a rock concert on wheels because the music makes an hour feel like 5 minutes!

I must say,,,I'm not a rocker,,,I choose music from all genre's. I have found if you choose one style, albeit, rock, opera, trance it really segments your class but, if you choose different genres, it appeals to more people.......

Remember, this is their ride-not yours.

Keep the class moving-don't feel compelled to change movements on each song.

Spend time with a move vs. doing three different moves in one song.
Keep the class flowing-nice transitions.

Sporadic water breaks-instead of "ok it's time to have some water", let them drink whenever they want.

Mix music using MixMeister-a DJ mixing service---awesome!!!!

Make your last 3 songs memorable-that's what they'll remember most.

Don't use the clock ie: 30 seconds, instead use verse/chorus.

Give me 8 more seconds----don't ever go beyond what you have told them. If you tell them 30 seconds(which I don't recommend) don't go beyond that.

voice, music and mic level appropriate.

REMEMBER! Music will make a difference in your class. Your numbers in your classes will increase and the participants will be talking about the instructor with the best music.

The temptation is very strong for many instructors to select music that they know and like, or that their students will know and like because it is familiar. But this may not be the way to go(top 40). you want them focusing on their ride and the music is the background.

Great films are remembered by their soundtracks. The careful selection of just the right music can greatly influence the perception and overall opinion that participants will have of your class. I believe that the same careful selection process is even more true for building the "soundtrack" for a memorable class.

Now with all that said,,,,,,,,,,my main source of musical ideas come from
pedal-on.com and
innercycling.com

Oodles and oodles of knowledge on these sites!
You'll have to register---but no spyware!!!
Bev in SC