A lot of people think they can just go out and start making money as a street performer, but it takes more than just taking your guitar to the street corner. Being a good busker is an art in itself, and takes a lot more than just good playing skills.
Some of the best buskers are those who have learned to interact with their audience – not only musically but by using their personality. The ability to attract people is a skill that must be learned.
The Top 10 Ways To Instantly Being A Better Busker:
1.Learn how to draw a crowd (and not just any crowd).
2.Learn how to build up and hold an audience’s attention.
3.Learn how to be entertaining (and not just musically).
4.Learn how to use new techniques for getting noticed (and for keeping them coming back).
5.Learn how to create an atmosphere that makes people want to stay around and listen (and spend money).
6.Learn how to use your surroundings in your favor.
7.Learn how to use the right equipment in the right conditions.
8.Learn what music makes you money, and what music doesn’t make any money (and why this is important).
9.Learn
Good luck with your busking! The Top 10 Ways To Instantly Being A Better Busker:
1. Always make eye contact with people.
2. Smile and say hello to passers-by.
3. Shave and always keep looking clean and tidy
4. Always be nice to people, especially those who don’t want to talk to you.
5. Know how much money you want to make before you start.
6. Don’t get drunk or high when busking (or ever).
7. Be kind to other buskers and don’t steal their money or audience.
8. Make a show of counting your money every so often (and give a little whoop if it’s good). This encourages people to put money in your case / hat / whatever you’re using as a receptacle for cash donations when they see that others are doing it too!
9. Don’t be afraid to ask people for money; they’ve got the money and they’re not using it anyway!.
10. If you have an awesome voice, or can play guitar or piano really well, then by all means do that – but it’s not enough just on its own, so find a way to make your act more interesting and interactive by
I have been busking for over 20 years and have played for a living for about 10 of those years. In that time I have learnt what works and what doesn’t.
I live on the street and have a very good idea of what pleases people and what p**ses them off.
So I’m going to share with you my top ten tips on how to be a better busker, so you can make more money and enjoy it more.
1. Play songs people know
You don’t need me to tell you this, but there are a few tricks in the book. Playing songs people know is essential. It’s not the only thing that determines your income, but it’s very important, so get it right.
Pick songs that are popular, listen to the radio and pick up clues from other buskers as to what works well where you’re playing.
2. Don’t play too loud
Many people think a good way to get noticed is by playing loud music. This is true if you like to be noticed by the police and council officers who will move you on because they’ve had complaints from passers-by or businesses nearby who can’t hear themselves think over your song choices!
Play quietly enough so people can talk over your
There is a certain art to street performing. The best buskers know how to attract an audience, keep their attention, build energy and momentum, interact with the crowd and eventually earn their applause. It’s not easy, but it can be learned.
I’ve played on the streets of many cities around the world; Sydney, Melbourne, London, San Francisco, Paris, Vienna, New York City and Chicago. I’ve made a few dollars here and there and have had some great experiences. But most importantly I have learned what works (and what doesn’t).
You don’t have to be a virtuoso musician or juggler (even though they are always welcome) to play on the street – you just need to know how to put on a good show!
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Building a crowd is not about the size of your guitar case but all about the energy you put into your performance and how you use the space around you to create an experience for your audience. If there is a wall behind you, stand in front of it, not leaning on it or hiding from your audience. Put up some posters around town, hand out flyers and make some business cards with a short message about where you play and when. In the winter invest in a beanie hat with a hole in it for some tips and keep warm! When I am busking I wear my uniform which is bright green from head to toe so people can see me easily and recognise my brand like McDonalds or Coca-cola! It helps build my profile as well as giving me confidence that I am always prepared looking good and ready to rock!
In the mid 1980’s I was a Street Musician in San Francisco.
I was also a Street Musician in Miami, Florida and New Orleans, Louisiana.
I have been a Street Musician in Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon.
I have been a Street Musician on the streets of Osaka, Japan and the streets of Wellington, New Zealand.
I have been a Street Musician on the subways of New York City, on the buses of Paris France and on the trains of Madrid Spain.