"If I do a piece in my living room, if I practice it - and I have the tapes to prove this - it's not going to be as good as doing the same piece in front of an audience"

In this quote, musician Dave Van Ronk is expressing the concept that performing in front of an audience is an important aspect of developing one's craft. He suggests that even if he practices a piece in the comfort of his own living-room and has recordings to show his skill, it will not compare to the experience of carrying out the very same piece in front of a live audience. This highlights the significance of the energy and feedback that an audience provides, pressing an artist to give their finest performance. It likewise speaks with the vulnerability and pressure that includes carrying out in front of others, making it a real test of an artist's abilities.