I don't in any way claim to be an expert on performance. I do play in Isih session in a group and piano at least once a week with a group in front of people.

I have taken note of the different kinds of performance situations.

- Large or small orchestra groups, generally you as a player don't stick put unless you do something really "out there". In most cases you won't stick out and probably won't be noticed unless you're a soloist. Great situations to get your feet wet so to speak or gain some experience. People are taking the whole thing in and the expectations are not usually that they will hear the best of the best. One voice in many voices tends to get lost.

- Community groups and pubs- People don't often come to these for only the music or if they do it might be a family member they want to support. These are often smaller groups and are casual. You are probably more into you in these settings than anyone else is. Easy to "fall in between the cracks" in these settings ...almost become invisible. Never get the feeling anyone gives much of a hoot about what I'm doing unless I really mess up badly. Even then, they laugh it off, dismiss it and keep on doing whatever it is they were doing. I think these are wonderful places to learn to play in public. There is usually a strong social element here. People meet regularly and make friends.

-Churches- Here there can be a lot of variety in what you will encounter all depending on where you go. It can be formal or it can be informal. I go to an informal church. That's the only way I would have it. As a musician you are more "on the spot" because generally you are up front leading others. No place to usually get buried in the crowd like the other two examples. What you do sticks out in a big way. In churches where they have "special music" times people will come up and play or sing something as a soloist or with only one or two other people. These can be excellent opportunities to play classical music on the violin....I realize not everyone is a church person, but if you get into something like that it's also a good place to meet new people and make friends. The first couple of times can be uncomfortable if you don't know anyone else. If you have gone twice and no one made you feel welcome...I would not go back.

So yeah....just doing it is the only way to learn. In more casual settings it seemed easier for me. I think you should work on something and maybe try it as your teacher said. It's never as bad as we think it will be