It's not great to make mistakes on stage, but how big a deal are mistakes when you're learning something new?Is it best to avoid them right from Day 1? Or is it ok to set the bar a little lower in the early days of learning a new skill?A 2011 study tests out two different approaches to learning - setting the bar high vs. setting the bar low - and provides some clues on which approach might be better for us (as well as our students).Get all the nerdy details here: How Important Is “Perfect Practice” When Learning Something New?* * *BTW, have you ever wondered why it is exactly that things usually sound better at home than they do on stage?If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a free 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure.Take the quiz here: bulletproofmusician.com/msa