If you are a senior (like me) or one of those Starving Music Students, practice and rehearsal is fine, but you need to play out.
I had been out of music for a while and started back up when I was in my 50’s. I sought out a private instructor for lessons on the saxophone. I was going to do it right this time. My teacher said that lessons and practicing was fine but I needed to play out with a group. I told him I was not ready. He told me to just jump in. Talk about a leap of faith!
I started with a local community band. I must tell you, on my first night, I sucked. I thought that I was in way over my head. My teacher told me to keep at it. So I did.
That was almost 20 years ago. I now play in one of the better community bands in our area. I also play in a 15 dance band, playing all of my favorite Bid Band charts of yesteryear! I am the “youngster” in this group since some of our members are in their 90’s! I stared out on tenor sax but later switched to bari sax and I am having a great time
Of course your personal music story is different from me but the bottom line is; you gotta play out! BTW the picture was from a Gentlemen of Swing gig and that crazy looking lady is Rosie Red of the Cincinnati Reds.