How can I meditate through music?

Have you tried guided meditation? A friend suggested it to me not that long ago, and it works much better for me than when I try to do it by myself. When it’s just me, my mind wanders, I think about how I’m not supposed to be thinking, etc. On the other hand, with guided mediation, it’s easier for me to relax and let go, because I’m being given things to focus on, so my mind is directed toward something and the background chatter just goes completely away. The first time I experienced guided meditation I had an extremely powerful and unexpected experience, but that’s how I knew how much better it worked for me than just me trying to do it on my own.

I highly recommend these guys: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHonestGuys

… Just be careful if you do the “cleansing white light” one… I ended up bawling… ;)

Also recommend ‘The Honest Guys’ on Youtube.

Guided meditations can be very good. Also look into mantras.
It’s better to have a mantra given to you by an experienced teacher, but if you can’t have that experience find the one in the book above that you feel most resonant with.
When sitting to meditate, chant your mantra silently and that can aid meditation by allowing the mind to focus gently on something that won’t distract you.

You could also look into Vipassana or insight/mindfulness meditation. In this case, the goal is not to stop your mind from thinking. Thinking is not the problem. It becomes part of the practice. Audio Dharma has some great intro to meditation classes in audio format (as well as tons of other talks and podcasts).

Have you tried focusing on your breathing and counting your breaths from 1 to 3? It is probably the simplest technique and the one that I use. Don’t get down on yourself if your mind wanders. Just return to counting your breaths. I have come to the conclusion that for those of us who are not zen masters, which is nearly everyone, that is part of the experience.

The goal isn’t to clear your mind or to stop yourself from thinking. Focusing on such impossibles is a distraction. Focusing on anything is a distraction. Simply sit. Let whatever thoughts arise come and go as they will.

Meditating is not-thinking, thinking about not-thinking, not-thinking about not-thinking, thinking about thinking (and often thinking about the cramp in your leg.) Use your breathing and/or a mantra as an anchor.