Today the American Composers Forum and the American Music Center released a study about composers entitled "Taking Note: A Study of Composers and New Music Activity in the United States." One of the points listed was that "Two-thirds of professional composers perform their own music, not relying solely on others to produce and present their work."
I guess this is true. Joan Tower said to me that the best way to get your music performed is to play it yourself (with a few friends).
I'll start practicing again when I finally get my new Boston/Steinway in my office.