Beta-Blocker Use Among Musicians: A Review of Benefits and Risks
Location
LSUHSC-NO
Publication Date
April 2026
Start Date
9-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
9-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
The introduction of beta-adrenergic blocking agents by Sir James Black in the 1960's revolutionized the treatment of cardiovascular disease, as it was the first pharmacological agent to effectively antagonize beta-receptors without secondary sympathomimetic effects (J. W. Black, 1962). Since their introduction, beta-blockers have been applied to a range of non-cardiovascular indications, including but not limited to the treatment of anxiety disorders and migraine headaches (Hayes, 1987; Jeffery L. Jackson, 2019 ). One intriguing application of beta-blockers that remains relatively understudied is their use in musical performance, especially when considering its ubiquity amongst professional musicians.
In 1987, the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) reported that 27% of its members had used betablockers, with approximately 70% of those users obtaining them without a prescription (Martin Fishbein, 1988). A subsequent 2015 survey by the ICSOM reported that nearly 70% of its respondents had tried beta-blockers (Beder, 2017 ). Despite this high prevalence, there remains little scientific consensus regarding the true efficacy and safety of beta-blockers for musical performance in non-clinical populations. This project aims to explore the potential benefits and risks of beta-blocker usage amongst musicians and critically examine the existing literature to clarify what is known - and what is not.
Recommended Citation
Choi, Kwon MD and Dalton, Richard MD, "Beta-Blocker Use Among Musicians: A Review of Benefits and Risks" (2026). Dept. of Psychiatry Research Symposium. 3.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/psych_rd/2026/posters/3
Beta-Blocker Use Among Musicians: A Review of Benefits and Risks
LSUHSC-NO
The introduction of beta-adrenergic blocking agents by Sir James Black in the 1960's revolutionized the treatment of cardiovascular disease, as it was the first pharmacological agent to effectively antagonize beta-receptors without secondary sympathomimetic effects (J. W. Black, 1962). Since their introduction, beta-blockers have been applied to a range of non-cardiovascular indications, including but not limited to the treatment of anxiety disorders and migraine headaches (Hayes, 1987; Jeffery L. Jackson, 2019 ). One intriguing application of beta-blockers that remains relatively understudied is their use in musical performance, especially when considering its ubiquity amongst professional musicians.
In 1987, the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) reported that 27% of its members had used betablockers, with approximately 70% of those users obtaining them without a prescription (Martin Fishbein, 1988). A subsequent 2015 survey by the ICSOM reported that nearly 70% of its respondents had tried beta-blockers (Beder, 2017 ). Despite this high prevalence, there remains little scientific consensus regarding the true efficacy and safety of beta-blockers for musical performance in non-clinical populations. This project aims to explore the potential benefits and risks of beta-blocker usage amongst musicians and critically examine the existing literature to clarify what is known - and what is not.