Practice music at different levels (literally) #music #musiceducation

I just realized why the old saying holds true: "I am not sure why I can't do that now. It was perfect in the practice room." Sure, a big part of that is nerves and that is fodder for many, many posts and discussions. However, there may be a simpler explanation for some of that inconsistency. When I practice at home, I practice standing up because it is good for the body and I like to play that way. However, my gigs always require me to perform sitting down, or at least 95% of them do. So, in a way, my body struggles in this new "environment" every time I leave for a gig and take my seat. This just occurred to me today, as I sat down for a change, to do my warm-ups. It was a very different feeling, and I had to remind myself to stay relaxed and not bring tension into my playing. So what I am saying is, practice in a variety of ways and if you are like me, and tend to perform sitting down, be sure to practice to perform.