Busking and travelling. I can’t think of a better combination. After all, if you’re travelling, a little extra money can come in handy and busking is a great way to meet people wherever you go. Busking isn’t hard and if you’ve always dreamed of travelling and busking, then keep reading as I outline five tips to help you get started!
Tip #1 Choose the right musical instrument – Although playing a musical instrument isn’t the only way to busk, it is the most straight forward way and most people love music. When you get on the street, busking is like performing, so treating a busk like a recital is always a good rule of thumb. Make sure your instrument is portable too. The more portable and light it is, the better. Carting around a musical instrument can easily turn into a nuisance, so choose wisely. A recorder or small flute is great because it fits snuggly into your suitcase, but if you’re proficient on your ‘uke’ or guitar, then be prepared to carry it around in a quality protective case.
Tip #2 Get permission – Not all Australian shire councils require a busking permit, however both Lake Macquarie and Sydney require them so to avoid being kicked off the street by police, it’s a great idea to obtain one before you leave. When I busked in Sydney I obtained mine from Town Hall City council officers in the CBD, but not before first filling out the necessary forms and taking them with me to Sydney. In addition, some places require you to book in beforehand such as some shopping centres. Click here for the Sydney CBD busking application.
Tip #3 Location, location, location -The difference between whether you will do well or not is based on your location. Avoid busking at train stations (unless of course it, is famous one), industrial estates, hospitals, and private property. Parks are great, but it will depend on the time of day and the instrument of your choice. Since I play the lap harp, when I travelled to Sydney I busked at Hyde Park which suited my instrument and choice of repertoire. If people are too busy or cannot hear you, you probably have the wrong location. You want to be looking for a place where people are carrying money with them, looking for a bargain or are more relaxed about their shopping. Markets are a perfect example of this kind of situation. The time of the day and the time during the week can also make a difference.
Tip #4 Song selection is really important – There are thousands of songs one can play. When choosing songs try to keep them all to the same genre. You don’t want to be playing Halleluiah by Leonardo Cohen and then suddenly switch to ‘My Heart Will go on’ (Titanic theme) for example, it’s just way too jarring. You also don’t need lots of songs to begin busking, especially if your moving around a lot and they don’t have to be difficult or complicated songs either. Five songs are plenty for a first time busk. You can find simple, free sheet music here for almost any instrument you can think of.
Tip #5 Practice and preparation – When you’re ready to travel, you want to make sure the instrument is in perfect tune before each busk. Make sure you have all the music you need. I usually busk from memory as it eliminates the hassle of a music stand and looks far more impressive, but always have music for reference if needed. If you’re travelling on public transport, be sure to keep an eye on your instrument. A nice guitar or flute is a great possession that you don’t want to walk! Finally, remember to have fun and thank the people that pay you!
Buskers Checklist: (the essentials)
-Musical Instrument (let’s assume you plan to be musical about this)
-Tuning device and a tuner (you get free ones on your iPhone)
-Bottle of water (Trust me, you will get thirsty!)
-Comfortable and casual clothing (you want to look cool)
-Bag or box for money (Of course!)
Buskers DO’S AND DON’T’S
-Read and follow all the busking guidelines for the area
-Have a list of songs
-Smile, let people think you are having fun, because you are -Don’t busk without a busker permit
-Don’t busk without consent of business owners
-Don’t busk on private land
-Don’t busk near a bus/train station (just because a lot of people move through a bus/train station doesn’t mean they have the time or interest to pay the buskers, because you’ll find they won’t. Unless it is a famous landmark, try to avoid busking here.)
-Don’t expect to make any money (remember that you are a street entertainer and that attitude is important).