It’s a great way to make some money, play for the public and get feedback about your music. It’s also a good way to meet other musicians, practice your skills and get noticed.
The main downside of busking is that it can be hard work physically, especially if you carry a lot of stuff!
It’s also important to be aware of local bylaws. As long as you don’t annoy the public or block footpaths etc, it is usually fine to play in most places. You should always be polite and considerate when busking. See our tips section for more information.
If you do get asked to move along, just move on to another spot and come back later when things have quieted down a bit.
Busking is a way to make money. It is also a great way to get people to hear you perform. In addition, it’s an opportunity for you to work on your sound. You can try out new material. You can see what works and what doesn’t.
In this blog I am going to tell you all about my experience busking and give you tips for success. I hope that by reading this blog you will feel confident enough to try it yourself and if not, then at least you’ll learn something new!
The first time I went busking was a complete accident. I was visiting my friends in London, England and had only brought along my travel guitar, so when it came time to go out on the town, I made sure to put my guitar in the car as well.
Later that night we went to a bar called the Monarch in Camden where I found myself sitting next to a guy who was playing an acoustic guitar. I asked him if he would be interested in jamming with me and for nearly two hours we played music together. He then invited me to come back the following night and play with him again.
The next day he told me that he plays there every night and that people actually pay him money for playing his songs there. He said the best way to do it was by having someone else collect the money while you play.
That night, I showed up and played with him again. After finishing our first song, we held out our guitar cases to see what people would put in them. We were both amazed at how much people were willing to give us. In fact, it only took us about 10 minutes to make over 30 pounds (about $60).
Keep in mind that this was not a professional gig; we were just playing our own
So I am a street performer, or busker as they are known in Europe. My main instrument is the harmonica, but I also use whistles, bells, and a short wave radio. This last item is used to broadcast clips from old movies, news reports, late night talk show intros and other samples that provide a running commentary of my performance. The Japanese call this style of performance kamishibai (paper theater).
My favorite spot to busk is in front of the Bellingham Public Library on Saturday afternoons. The library has become somewhat of a meeting place for kids who hang out near the fountain in front. In this setting I play tunes that kids like such as ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’, ‘Aura Lee’ and ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had playing music.
Busking is a great way to get out of your comfort zone, meet people and have a blast. If you’re like me, you may have been resisting the idea of busking for a long time, probably for the same reasons I resisted. I thought it was scary, different and unprofessional.
After my first experience busking in downtown Chicago three years ago, I realized how fun it is and the many benefits that come from it. Since then I have been freed from thinking that music should only be performed on a stage and for an audience who paid for tickets.
I now love playing music wherever people are gathered and having fun with a crowd. Even if they don’t look like they’ll listen or enjoy music, we can still give them something to enjoy as we play our hearts out.
So how do you get started? Here are some tips that I hope will help you get out there and try something new!
Busking, also known as street performing or street busking is the act of performing in public places for gratuities. In many countries the rewards are generally in the form of money but other gratuities such as food, drink or gifts may be given.
Street performers usually provide an entertainment, show or spectacle such as music, poetry, storytelling, mime, juggling and street theatre. Other names for a busker include troubador [or troubadour], bard, minstrel and lyricist.
Buskers may be professionals seeking a primary source of income, amateur performers or people who do it just for fun or to make some extra cash. Busking performances can last from just a few minutes to several hours.
Busking is the practice of performing in public places for tips and gratuities. People engaging in this practice are called street performers or buskers. In many countries the rewards are generally in the form of money but other gratuities such as food, drink or gifts may be given.
Busking is a form of work. Buskers often provide entertainment, such as music, poetry and dance. They may also offer services such as juggling or balloon animals to children passing by their act. It is a way to earn money without the need for fixed hours or minimum wage. Busking often involves entertaining crowds who stop by to watch the act. It is a type of performance art that can include singing, playing an instrument, clowning, mime, juggling, storytelling, magic tricks and more! Some buskers perform for charity by asking for donations instead of tips.
Where can you perform?
Performing on a city street with a hat out for tips is one of the most common types of busking. You can also play at festivals like The Fringe Festival or Bonnaroo or even in a subway station!
A good place to start might be your local coffee shop. See if they would allow you to set up outside (if permitted). It could
