Do you love busking but feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Playing the same street corner or subway station a day in and day out can be monotonous, not to mention ineffective if you’re not connecting with your audience. If you’re ready to take your street performance to the next level, check out these tips, tricks, and strategies for playing to an engaged crowd. With a little effort, you can turn passersby into avid fans!
The secrets of succeeding as a street musician
As a street musician, you have a unique opportunity to connect with your audience in a very intimate way. When you’re playing your music on the street, you’re not just entertaining passersby – you’re engaging them in a way different from any other type of music performance.
Here are some tips and tricks for how to make the most of your street performances and engage your audience:
- Make eye contact and smile.
When you’re playing your music on the street, it’s important to make eye contact with your listeners and smile. This will help create a connection with them and make them feel more invested in what you’re doing.
- Play with energy and passion.
Your music should be an extension of your personality, so make sure to infuse your street performances with energy and passion. This will help engage your listeners and make them want to hear more.
- Vary your repertoire.
If you play the same songs over and over again, your audience is going to get bored quickly. So instead, mix things up by learning new songs and adding variety to your setlist. This will keep your listeners engaged and coming back for more.
- Interact with your audience.
Don’t just play your music and walk away – take the time to interact with your audience and get them involved in your work. Ask them questions, tell them jokes, and get them clapping along to your tunes.
- Collect tips.
Street musicians rely on tips from their listeners to make a living, so be sure to collect them after your performance. You can pass around a hat or set up a tip jar near your playing area.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a superstar street musician who knows how to engage their audience and put on a great show!
Proven ways to make money as a street musician
As a street musician, you have the opportunity to make money in a number of ways. For example, you can busk, sell merch, or even teach music lessons.
- Busking
Busking is one of the most popular ways for street musicians to make money. It involves playing music in public places for tips. When busking, it’s important to choose a good location. High-traffic areas where people are more likely to have spare change are always a good bet. You should also try to play during peak hours when more people will be out and about.
- Selling Merchandise
Another great way to make money as a street musician is by selling merchandise. This could include anything from CDs to t-shirts to hats. You can make a lot of money if you have a good merchandise selection!
- Teaching Music Lessons
You could also make money by teaching music lessons if you’re a skilled musician. This is a great way to share your passion for music while earning extra cash. You can give private lessons or even group classes.
Making money as a street musician can be tough, but it’s possible! By busking, selling merchandise, or teaching music lessons, you can earn some extra cash doing what you love.
