How to Be a Street Musician

Street performing, called "busking" by those who do it, is more than a hobby--it is a way of life. If you are dedicated to your craft, enjoy entertaining an audience and do not aspire for a Wall Street salary, then read this article for the inside scoop on becoming a street performer.

Things You'll Need

• Talent
• Hat or other receptacle for collecting tips
• Calendar of local events
• Moxie

Instructions

1. Love performing above all other benefits of the work. As a street musician performer, you are seeking the audience rather than the other way around. You could face rough weather, hecklers, a dearth of tips and business owners trying to run you off. At times, a good performance will have to be its own reward.

2. Keep your day job. At first, performing will not generate enough income to pay the bills. Get comfortable asking for tips and pass your hat around immediately at the end of a performance. Any lingering chitchat or encores will create an excuse for people to walk away.

3. Learn your free speech rights and any peace disturbance or obscenity laws in your area. Many street performers are regularly ticketed or charged for trespassing and violating the peace, but judges consistently uphold their right to free speech.

4. Choose your location wisely. A spot where people regularly walk by or congregate will provide you with a ready-made audience, but take care not to block traffic or business unless you want a visit from the police. Leave enough room for listeners to gather without crowding you. Large, bright props will signal to passersby that something interesting is going on.

5. Project your voice. Buildings and other architectural elements of the street can be used to amplify your sound, but without the ability to project your voice you will never be heard by the audience or taken seriously as an artist.

6. Know your local event calendar. Successful street performers have learned to schedule and locate their performances around tourist events, like when a cruise ship docks, or spending peaks like Christmas. Make the most of these high-tip seasons because they will help get you through the leaner months.

7. Make yourself memorable but respectable. Memorize your act as if you were a professional, because you are. Avoid too much gimmick. Stand tall, make yourself heard, don't stoop to the hecklers' level and create your own signature.

Resources

• Join an online community for street performers around the world at Perfomers.net.
• Find resources for street performers at Community Arts Advocates.
• Browse the Street Artists Photojournalism Project by Eric Rowley.
• Benefit from the advice and experiences of long-time street performer Kristen Anderberg