What to Do When a Busker Walks Up To You?: a blog outlining how you should react when someone approaches you with an instrument.
I’ve been playing guitar on the street for many years, and I’ve had countless people react in a bewildered manner upon my approach. I thought it would be helpful to answer some common questions about what should happen if someone approaches you with an instrument in hand, and how that should inform your actions.
Do I have to pay?
No! Not unless you want to. You are never required to pay anything, even if you enjoy the performance. If you do want to give something, it is customary for buskers/street performers/folk musicians (etc.) to offer something in exchange for compensation: a CD, a poster, or other merchandise which they have available on their person. This leads into the next question…
What if I don’t have any money?
Not having money doesn’t mean that you can’t tip! If they sell CDs or other merchandise, those are considered fair trade for the entertainment provided by the artist. If they don’t have anything like that on hand, then they probably aren’t concerned with making money anyway and will be happy with whatever small amount of cash you have (
What To Do When A Busker Walks Up To You?
1. DO NOT MOVE AWAY. This is the worst thing you can do, and often prompts them to follow you. Be polite, but firm: no thank you, I’m fine right here.
2. If they are of a different ethnic background than you, this is not the time to play a drinking game that involves taking a shot every time they mispronounce something. Remember, your money is their livelihood, and you probably would not like it if someone made a joke about mispronouncing something in your native language.
3. Do not stick coins in their guitar case while they are playing if they have not set out a tip jar or hat. In fact, do not attempt to give them money in any way except putting it directly into their tip jar/hat when they are done performing.
4. By all means, take out your phone and get some video footage if the performance warrants it (and if the performer has given permission). However:
5. If you are sitting on a wall or bench near where the busker is performing, be courteous enough to move so they have room to sit down as well. They may be on their feet for hours
A busker is a street performer. They sing and dance, or play a musical instrument. They are often young college students trying to make money to pay for school.
Some people have problems with buskers because they think the music is too loud and it is hard to talk on their cell phone. In some places, people cannot walk around without being approached by a musician asking for money.
Buskers are not allowed in all cities, but in most cities you will find them at subway stations, bus stops and other public areas.
Here is one blog’s advice on what to do when a busker approaches you:
1) Don’t be rude.
2) Smile and nod as you listen to the music (you don’t want to look like you are ignoring the music or pretending it isn’t there).
3) If the music stops, and the performer asks you for money, consider giving them some change or even buying their CD if they are selling one. By supporting these local performers, you will make your city more lively!
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a busker. I was in Montreal, it was winter, and a man walked up to me with a saxophone. He smiled at me and played my favorite song on his saxophone for about 30 seconds. It was the coolest thing ever.
Since then, I’ve seen a lot of street performers doing all sorts of things – from people who do magic tricks to people who juggle on unicycles. They’re always entertaining and they’re usually very good at what they do.
The most fascinating thing about street performers is that they get paid just to entertain people. Most of them are very talented musicians, but there are also some who aren’t good at all – yet they still make money by entertaining crowds of people with their performances.
Some people might argue that buskers are nothing more than beggars trying to make a quick buck by asking for money from strangers, but what they don’t realize is that these street performers are actually doing us all a favor: they’re making our lives better by providing entertainment when we need it most!
Buskers are entertainers who perform on the streets or in public places for tips from passersby. A busker may be an individual musician playing instruments such as guitar;
Buskers are musicians or entertainers who perform music or other entertainment in public places for gratuities.
There are many different types of busking. One of the most common types of busker is the street performer or busker who performs for a passing audience who, passing by, might stop to watch and listen to the performance, and if sufficiently entertained, may give a financial donation to show their appreciation.
There are many different instruments that can be used while busking. Buskers who perform on the streets may play acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harmonica, flute, saxophone, ukulele, trombone, keyboard and/or drums.
Over the years I have played my music in a lot of different places, and because of that, I’ve received a lot of different reactions. I find that the more people understand what I’m doing, the more they enjoy it. So here’s some basic info about street performing:
When you’re playing on the street and a crowd gathers around you, that circle is your stage. If someone walks through it or stands outside it or even sits down, don’t stop and stare at them or lose your place, because then everyone will look at them instead of you. You want to keep people’s eyes on you so their attention won’t be distracted by anything else.
What to do:
Smile and say hello!
Pay attention.
Don’t walk or run away.
If you don’t want to listen, say so politely.