| Great question Dave.
I think that all successful players have a certain amount of "mental toughness" that will carry them through jobs, even when they are not at 100%. For lead players, there is much to think about: how's my time, pitch, balance, phrasing, articulation, etc.? The only advantage a pro would have over an amateur is experience. (I know many non-pros who have a very high level of concentration and are always focused, just as I know many pros who let their minds wander frequently.) The more you're out there playing, the more chances you have to work on your mental game.
Broadway is an excellent example - you are forced to play the same show every night. For weeks, months, even years. It's incredibly easy to start thinking about anything else other than the music. The true pros will stay focused. We all have mental lapses (I had about a million during my 9+ years at "Beauty & the Beast", but the more chances you have to practice focusing, the more you'll be able to focus. Pros and amateurs alike.
Tony |