I've found out recently that listening to inspiring music.. I mean music that really touches your soul and emotions really gives me some flashes of visions and even partial kundalini rising. I also remember my dreams well vividly and have spontaneous OBE's. I do this during altered state not necessarily in trance only in alpha state. Just want to share this maybe this will help :-D
I agree. I feel that the use of music in spiritual practice has taken on too much of the new age flavor. In truth, any music that captivates you and "awakens your soul" is what you should use. If that's metal, techno, bluegrass, folk, etc., then so be it.
Yes. Some music can definitely take your conciousness to other levels.
Try listening to Beethovens 6th, the Pastoral. Relax, close our eyes and try to put your sense of hearing in between the lines of music, kind of like mental surround sound without all the equiptment. Keep a medium volume. Disregard any written descriptions of the piece as a Pastoral.