The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the neurochemical aspects
of the modulating effects of music on emotion. Of a total 355 identified through a database
search, 20 studies that met the selection criteria were finally selected. Data were extracted with
a focus on neurochemical and musical variables, and the quality assessment for the selected
studies was conducted using QATQS. The characteristics of the music used and of the research
participants were comprehensively analyzed. As for the results of the study regarding
neurochemical variables, there were 4 dopamine studies, 4 endorphin studies, 6 oxytocinvasopressin
studies, 11 noradrenalin studies, and 1 serotonin study. The noradrenalin studies
were the largest in number and there were no choline studies. In all the selected studies, stress
as a key emotion-related subject was discussed in relation to the examined neurochemical
variables. Regarding music application, music listening was made in most studies, and the music
interventions were mainly used to trigger positive emotions in participants with the intent to
examine the modulating effect of music. The comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of the
music used and of the research participants showed that there were differences in response
based on emotional valence and arousal. The results of this study form a theoretical basis for
the evidence-based music therapy practice particularly related to emotional modulation. The
quality assessment of the selected studies suggests the considerations necessary to deal with
selection bias and blinding in future research. The significance of the current study is that it
collected the objective evidence of the modulating effects of music on emotion and discussed its
clinical implications through a systematic review of the related literature.