Yes, but we don't need to forget how many A's and B's we've played, or to make mistakes or forget words, or (my worst bugbear) get bow shake when playing the cello. The latter can happen even if I'm not feeling very nervous, and I can't control it.

One thing experience has taught me is that you can't have too much overkill in practicing for performance. One of my favourite quotes (I don't know who said it originally) is about the difference between a professional and an amateur: an amateur practices until he can play it right, and professional practices until he can't play it wrong.

I've been playing most of my instruments for many years, but I've had the "falling to pieces" experience recently with the pipes, which are a new instrument for me, especially with no other wind instrument experience.

So one answer is you somehow have to be able to play OK even when you're nervous. I've heard tales of internationally famous concert performers (in the classical music world) who had to be pushed into the stage...

Anahata