As a singer, I have always dealt with performance anxiety at performances/auditions. The physical manifestations of the anxiety sometimes affect my voice (shortness of breath, tightness, tremors).
I have recently been given a perscrption for beta blockers (propanolol 10mg) I understand that this will help with the physical symptoms. I feel a bit guitly about this however, that it might give me an unfair advantage, especially at an audition, in that everybody else has to deal with the same anxiety. Is it like steroids or blood doping, or is it simply dealing with a condition. If a was offered a performing contract as a result of an audition done under a beta blocker, would I be doing it under false pretenses?
Have tried other stress reliever, i.e Yoga, deep breathing.
2007-03-21 05:32:55 · 6 answers · asked by Rob 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
No, there are no ethical concerns like this in the world of music... and if there were ethical concerns like this, 40 percent of the others auditions probably have done much more questionable stuff than this. Musicians are constantly learning tricks to get just a little better or further ahead. Some will spend thousands of dollars for camps to learn to feel heavy, or to meet somebody that may know somebody else, it's a dog eat dog sort of world. The only ethical concern you should have is how it effects you. Will this hurt you? Are you paying for today with tomorrows better health? Don't worry about the music side, you're just fine.
2007-03-22 09:39:25 · answer #1 · answered by locusfire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! I wish that I had known about them in high school when I performed music. I only recently learned about the effects of beta blockers and am actually going to get a Rx for them soon for presentations I have to give for school. Do not feel guilty. People are different and respond differently to stress. Some people's bodies produce lower levels of stress hormones or their bodies are better able to manage the stress. Taking this drug will just get you to a normal level of stress. It is not cheating because it does not improve your voice or you talent.
2007-03-21 12:46:41 · answer #2 · answered by Kate M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dear Rob,
Are you full grown and a legal adult? I hope so, because there is no reason for a healthy young person to have to resort to medication without a real medical condition.
Certainly, there are many many performers out there who take beta blockers to help with tension and hypertension. My husband, a French horn player, has high blood pressure, and takes them on a daily basis, and not only for the medical condition, but also to get through his demanding schedule as a symphony orchestra performer ( 12 rehearsals/performances per week).
Beta blockers are unlike steroids in that they do not build you up, nor are they like blood doping where you simply have more red blood cells to transmit oxygen. Beta blockers work on the smooth muscles of the heart, which are usually not under our direct control ( called involuntary muscles).
You need not feel guilty about using them on an infrequent basis, but I would continue with the yoga and stress management training for a more permanent effect.
Have you also considered meditation or mindfulness training? Please refer to the books of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn for this fascinating and enlightening subject. He treats people who are full-time high risk patients with remarkable success.
I wish you all the best. and please keep on singing.
2007-03-21 17:33:03 · answer #3 · answered by lynndramsop 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take the pills, and stop feeling guilty. More performers than you would ever imagine take medication like this to help them deal with anxiety.
During your auditions you will be judged in terms of the quality of the talent you are able to display. The medication will allow you to do your very best, allowing you to focus on vocal technique and the way you are able to interpret your music. There will be nothing "false" about it--to the contrary, it will entirely be your "true" talent that's on display!
2007-03-21 14:49:27 · answer #4 · answered by clicksqueek 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. It is not an unfair advantage (especially if you have a prescription). If your a professional performer, and your having anxiety during auditions it could adversly affect your career.........a dangerous situation...................besides, you'd be suprised how many performers are doing the exact same thing
2007-03-21 13:15:08 · answer #5 · answered by mrshinytooth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you feel guilty , just don't take anything , also becuse taking beta blockers is really harmful....Better deep breathing!
2007-03-21 12:55:52 · answer #6 · answered by bimbabirba 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋