What are the best ways to get creative and make money as a busker?
Busking is one of the oldest, most traditional ways of making a living in the world. It’s been around since long before modern technology brought us the internet. Busking is such a popular way to make money that it has become an international phenomenon. It is definitely one of the most effective methods of making a living in today’s economy.
Buskers can be found all over the world, on almost every street corner, especially in big cities like London, New York or Paris. But there are some places where it’s more common to see street performers than others. Here are some locations where you will find many street performers:
On any public street or sidewalk that is open to pedestrians
In front of any retail store, particularly popular retailers like Wal-Mart and Target
In front of any restaurant that has outdoor seating
At sporting events, especially football games and other large sporting events with large crowds
At theme parks and amusement parks like Disneyland or Six Flags
At any major tourist attraction like Times Square or Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles
So why do people go out into public spaces and perform for money? Well, there are many reasons! Some people enjoy entertaining others and want to
The best ways to make money busking are not always the most obvious. Sure, if you’re playing in a busy area, and there’s lots of foot traffic, you can expect to make more money than if you’re playing on a quiet street. But there are other variables too. Here are some ways to get creative and make the most out of street performing:
1. Stand right in front of the busker spot you want
In almost every city I’ve been to, there’s a designated spot (*licensed*) for buskers to play music or perform on the street. In my hometown of Oakland, California, there are a few busker-friendly spots around town. The most popular is Jack London Square, which is also one of the busiest areas in town on weekends. It’s also very convenient because it has lots of restaurants and cafes close by where you can sit down and take breaks.
It’s common for several buskers to show up at Jack London Square on the weekend hoping to get one of these popular spots. To secure your spot, just stand right in front of it and wait for other buskers to arrive so that they have to ask if it’s already taken (if they’re polite). If someone else gets there before you do,
Over the years I’ve been asked a lot about how to make money as a street performer. It’s a tough life, but I have met a few musicians who have made good livings out of it.
The most important thing you need to make it work is vocal cords, and the ability to get people to stop and listen.
One of the best buskers I ever saw was a chap called Michael Diamond in London, who has played with many famous people including Joe Cocker, Paul McCartney and George Michael.
In his heyday he made a lot of money playing outside the Royal Festival Hall in London. Why? Because he had an incredibly wide repertoire and could sing anything.
He would even take requests for songs that no-one had heard for years like “Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport” by Rolf Harris (a massive hit in the 1960s) and always bring the house down.
The way I see it, street performing is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s important to pace yourself and not burn out in the first few days.
I remember when I first started busking. I was in my mid-20s and I played guitar on the streets of downtown Halifax. My first day out was a disaster. I failed to make even one dollar. My second day was better: made a couple bucks, but still with no real sign of progress.
By day three my fingers were bleeding and my voice was ragged from playing too hard and singing too loud (in an attempt to be heard over the roar of traffic). But by Day 4 there were signs of improvement. I finally made $40; then $70; then $75; then $100, etc., etc. And by the end of that summer (my first full summer busking) I had made more than $7000!
If you are starting out as a musician, or if you’re already an established musician looking for new ways to get your music heard or get noticed by industry people, street performing might be something you want to consider doing.
Here are some answers to some common questions:
If you’re a street performer or busker, you might have a lot of ideas about how to make money. You may also have a lot of questions. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re just getting started.
1. Be visible
The first thing is that people need to know that you’re there and be able to see you! If you’re not out in the open, they won’t stop to listen.
2. Do it naturally
You don’t need any fancy tricks or gimmicks. Being genuine and genuine is usually more than enough.
3. Ask for donations
It doesn’t matter where you set up or what you do, asking for donations is always a good idea! It can help your performance because when people donate, they feel involved and more connected to what you’re doing as an artist. It also means that even if someone doesn’t pay attention or walk by without listening, they might still throw some cash into your hat so that others will be encouraged to support their local artists too!
We all know how tough it can be to make a living as a musician.
Busking is one of the most creative, fun and rewarding ways to do it. The idea of travelling the world with nothing but your instrument and making people smile sounds romantic, doesn’t it? But there are a few things you need to consider if you are planning on doing this for real.
Will it be possible for me to go back to my ‘regular’ life after a few years? If so, what about insurance, savings, credit cards and other stuff? What kind of visa will I need? Will I earn enough money to be able to support myself and my lifestyle? How many hours will I have to work each day? What kind of places will I be able to visit? Where should I start busking?
This section aims to answer some of these questions. It’s not an exhaustive list by any means, but it will hopefully give you some ideas and pointers on how organise yourself before you head off.
So, you have decided to hit the streets and perform for tips. You have learned that there are a lot of benefits to street performing. Some of these benefits include:
– Great Exposure
– Meet People
– Learn To Perform For An Audience
– Get Immediate Feedback
– Earn Extra Money
– Travel The World
– Perform Anywhere Anytime
– Have Fun!
