Practice picks up in proper surroundings (9)
I believe the answer is:
rehearsal
'practice' is the definition.
(I know that practice can be written as rehearsal)
'picks up in proper surroundings' is the wordplay.
'picks up' becomes 'hears' ('hear' can be a synonym of 'pick up').
'in proper' becomes 'real' (similar in meaning. I am not sure about the 'in' bit.).
'surroundings' indicates putting letters inside.
'hears' inserted inside 'real' is 'REHEARSAL'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rehearsal that I've seen before include "Dramatic practice" , "Practice session in preparation for public performance" , "Practice - run-through" , "Preparation for a show" , "Drill" .)