The Use of Beta Blockers in Performances and other Stressful Situations
by Maya Jacobs, November 24th, 2019.
A few years ago, I started a blog that focused on general wellness for musicians. My goal was to create a resource for topics that were not taught in a music school, but still important to our well-being. This is also what led me to become more fascinated by beta blockers and how people use them in performances and stressful situations.
I've used beta blockers many times and still use them today. You probably know people who have used them or are considering to try to them, and it is definitely a controversial topic in the music world. SO what do you need to know?
What are beta blockers?
Beta blockers are a type of medication that is typically prescribed to patients with a high heart rate. They have also been recommended to people with an irregular heartbeat, angina, and high blood pressure.
How do they work?
Beta-blockers block the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which prepare our muscles for exertion. These hormones are released into our body when it feels like it's in danger. It is also commonly referred to as the "fight-or-flight" response.
Are they safe to use?
Yes, but you must consult with a doctor to obtain a prescription before you try them. While some find them helpful, others might experience unwanted side effects like with any other drug.
Why do musicians take them?
Performances and auditions can get into our heads and cause our body to react in unhelpful ways such as physically shaking, accelerated heart rate, and sweating. We all know it's normal to get nervous and anxious before an audition. If we can control some of the physical symptoms we might have a more successful performance, and beta blockers can help with this.
Do beta blockers make you calmer?
No. They block only the physical sensations of nervousness, such as shaking, which might cause you to feel mentally calmer as a result. But, the truth is this only comes from the mind-body connection and does not actually alter your mental state. If this mind-body connection is all that it takes to make you feel more calm, then it might be a better solution than taking a drug that alters your mind.
I decided I wanted to learn for myself how many musicians actually have experience with beta blockers, so I put together a survey to collect and share(!) data about this. Beta blockers do not always have the best reputation and there are many myths around them. My goal was to create an accessible resource to help make the use of beta blockers a choice, and reduce the taboo that keeps surfacing when someone says they use it.
Currently, the survey has about 300 entries, and I hope to get more! I wanted to learn how and when people hear about beta blockers. I was wondering what leads musicians to experiment with them, and if they find them helpful. The results would hopefully reveal certain trends across instruments and musical genres, and if some groups take more beta blockers than others. I also wanted to learn why musicians stop using them, and if there's some sort of dependency or addiction beyond the occasional use. To check out the survey and participate, click here.
Interesting points the survey revealed:
62% of all survey takers used beta blockers at least once
89% of oboists who participated in the survey used beta blockers
100% flutists who tried beta blockers are still using them
The lowest percentage of musicians who tried beta blockers seemed to be instrumentalists who play lower range instruments: double bass and tuba.
Out of all survey participants:
66% are very happy with the effects of beta blockers
89% didn't show any signs of dependency
This is just one part of understanding musicians' wellness and seeing ourselves as human beings. Bringing awareness to the challenges of being a performer is crucial, and it's only the first step. I hope this survey starts some conversations, and leads to acceptance of this topic.
About:
Maya Jacobs is a violist and arts administrator in the Philadelphia area. She's currently the Learning and Wellness Manager at the Philadelphia Orchestra, a freelance musician, and a wellness coach for musicians.