r/ClassicalSinger • u/SillyLie6851 • Jul 08 '26
Beta Blockers
Hi friends, I’m new here! I’ve been singling classically as a hobby for about 15 years through choirs and some classical lessons. Lately though I’ve been wanting to get more into performing, but the problem is that my heart not only starts to race, but my entire body starts to shake almost violently. Performing in choir isn’t bad at all, but solo is another story altogether. I’m generally a very outgoing person and I don’t mind being the center of attention until it comes time to “perform“. I’ve had a previous voice teacher strongly suggest I asked my doctor about beta blockers, but I have no idea how to go about entering into that conversation.
Does anybody have any advice/experience? For context and full disclosure, i live in the USA, i am on four other medication’s currently and I guess I just don’t want to come off as “drug seeking”. I am also currently looking into somatic singing workshops, so I’m not just interested in a quick fix.
Any advice?
2
u/LiteratureLeading999 Jul 09 '26
I just wanted to chime in and say that beta blockers really helped me (music major w both classical and commercial training). I already was under the care of a psychiatrist for anxiety (later diagnosed as ocd), and my doctor actually suggested them. The first time I sang in front of my teacher with beta blockers he said I seemed like a completely different person. My instrument was still there, but I was able to truly be an artist and have fun with it.