The effect of low-dose β-blockade on performance anxiety in singers

Thirteen singing students received placebo or 20 mg of nadolol prior to their end-of-semester jury performance. The performance was repeated 48 h later with the cross-over drug regimen. Subjects' musical performances were evaluated by a panel of judges (comprised of the subjects' voice faculty). No statistically significant difference could be detected in the overall quality of the performance whether students were taking drug or placebo. Although the small number of subjects in this study precludes a definitive conclusion, these data, together with previous information, lead us to suggest that β-blockers are not useful in coping with nervousness in singing students.