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Background: A receptive music therapy intervention using the monochord, an ancient instrument rooted in harmonic principles, has gained renewed scientific interest due to its gentle vibroacoustic properties and regulatory influence on the autonomic nervous system. Research across the lifespan suggests that monochord interventions support emotional regulation and wellbeing in a range of contexts.

Objectives: This study synthesizes current evidence on the effects of monochord sounds from neonatal care to end-of-life settings. We present example data from our own study examining stress regulation in healthy adults who listen to monochord sounds.

Methods: A structured literature search identified studies investigating monochord interventions across age groups and clinical populations, focusing on physiological, psychological, and relational outcomes. Complementary data from our own study with 56 healthy adult participants were included to illustrate acute stress-regulatory effects.

Results: The literature demonstrates benefits such as enhanced brain maturation in preterm infants, emotional support in traumatized children, anxiety reduction in students, and relaxation, and wellbeing in adults. Further applications in oncology, pregnancy, aging, palliative care and for people with intellectual disabilities highlight the instrument’s broad therapeutic relevance. In our study, healthy adults showed significant reductions in perceived stress and physiological arousal following exposure to monochord sounds.

Conclusion: The therapeutic application of monochord sounds represents a promising, non-invasive approach to fostering emotional and physiological regulation across the lifespan. Integrating existing evidence with emerging empirical data underscores its potential for wider therapeutic use and future scientific exploration and introduces a new generation to this instrument.