Playing music on the street is a great way to earn money while having fun. On a night with heavy foot traffic, you could raise around $ 100 if people like your style. If you want to start playing, you should choose an instrument that is powerful enough that people can listen to it and learn songs that they can sing with you. After you get a place to perform, you should prepare to stand in front of a crowd and play your songs.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Learn the Music
Step 1. Choose an instrument that you already know how to play for your presentation
People on the street are more likely to stop if you know how to play an instrument and can make it sound good. If you already know how to play a specific instrument, then you should focus your time and energy on practicing your technique so that you can get a better sound and play more fluently. Try different playing techniques so you can continue to learn and master your instrument.
You can play music in the street with the instrument you want as long as you play it well
Step 2. Play a powerful instrument so people can hear you over other noises
Smaller instruments (like the ukulele and violin) may not cut through the sound of a large crowd or busy street, so they can be difficult to hear. If you don't know how to play an instrument yet, you should look for something that makes a loud noise (such as a trumpet, saxophone, drum, or electric guitar). Learn to play the instrument to the best of your ability so that you will perform well when you find a place to perform.
If you are unfamiliar with the instrument, consider taking lessons so that you can learn the proper techniques
Tip:
If you don't have a loud instrument, you should invest in a microphone or amplifier so that you sound louder when you show up.
Step 3. Sing if you can't play an instrument
If you don't know how to play an instrument and can't get one, you can always sing. Find a microphone and small amplifier that you can use while playing to make your voice stand out from the crowd. Practice singing your favorite songs and scales so you can improve your technique and vocal control.
- You don't need a microphone to sing on the street if you already have a powerful voice.
- See if other artists want to join you in forming a street gang.
Step 4. Learn popular music that many people recognize
Popular music is easily recognizable and makes it easy for the crowd to sing along with you. Find out which songs are popular on the radio so you can rehearse the chords and lyrics. Look for classic songs that a lot of people recognize (for example, hits from the 80s and 90s) so they can sing along and become more interested in your performance.
If you can play a percussion instrument (such as drums), you may not be able to play popular music as well as someone who can play guitar or sing. Instead, you can practice difficult beats from songs you already know, or play drums with background music
Step 5. Plan a presentation of at least an hour to keep your material fresh
If people hear you play the same song over and over, they are less likely to look at you or tip you. Make sure to prepare a variety of songs to play so that you can continue playing without repeating any. Write down all the songs you know and arrange them however you like so that they flow well with each other.
It's okay to repeat the songs if the audience you originally played them for has already left
Part 2 of 3: Finding the Right Location
Step 1. Get a permit or license from the city if you need it
Some cities require a license to perform or play street music before you can legally play an instrument in public. Check your local laws online to see if you need to complete an application for the permit. Send the application along with the required payment and wait to receive news from the competent authority. If they approve your permission, you can start playing whenever you want.
- Some cities don't require any licenses so you can play music without getting into any trouble.
- You may need to renew your permit once a year, but this will depend on where you live.
- Avoid playing music on the street if you haven't gotten a permit, as you could be fined.
Step 2. Pick a crowded place in town to settle in so that most people can hear you
Look for areas that have a lot of tourists, bars, restaurants, or people walking, as they will present the most foot traffic. Explore different locations in the city so you have options to choose from and can try out new locations. Write down some locations and the number of artists you see in the area so you can find out what kind of competition you are going to have.
Set your space away from other street performers so you don't interfere with their performances
Tip:
settle near a crosswalk so people have to listen to you while they wait.
Step 3. Wait until afternoons or weekends to show up and get the most foot traffic
The streets are usually not very busy during the day unless it is on a weekend or after normal business hours. You must wait until at least 4 or 5 p.m. m. Monday through Friday before choosing a place to settle and not wasting time on empty streets. Depending on the businesses in the area, there is likely to be foot traffic until late at night. Take a look at the city's busy spots at different times of the day on weekends and nights to see when they are busiest.
The days before and after holidays can also be busy as people leave work or school
Step 4. Check with companies if it is okay for you to play in front of their venues
Even if you have a permit, you should be polite to nearby businesses and ask if they agree with your presentation. If they are, you can set up outside so you don't block the door or the rest of the sidewalk. Otherwise, you should smile and thank anyway before looking for a new location.
- Avoid fighting with a company if they don't want you to show up so you don't get into trouble.
- If you need to plug in microphones or amplifiers, you should ask if they have outlets available that you can use.
Part 3 of 3: Make your presentation
Step 1. Place a large tray or bucket in front of you so you can receive tips
Use a container large enough to hold your money overnight and prevent it from spilling. Make sure the tray is deep enough to prevent money from flying out. Place the tray in front of the area where you are going to introduce yourself and put up a sign with the word "Tips" or something similar so that people know where to put their money.
- Put some cash in the container before you play to make it seem like others have already heard you. This will increase the chances that more people will tip you.
- Remove bills or large amounts of cash as soon as possible to avoid being stolen.
Step 2. Play your music loud so that people are drawn to your presentation
Stand up so others can see you during the presentation. Turn up the volume or play the instrument as loud as possible to cut through crowd noise and make your music more prominent. Check if you are in tune and sound good from a distance to better attract people to you.
Singing or playing loudly can stress your voice and instrument, so take frequent breaks and stay hydrated
Tip:
Find a helper standing 20-30 feet away to see if your music can be heard from afar.
Step 3. Accept requests for popular songs if you know them
If you know a lot of popular songs, you can interact with the audience to see what they want to hear next. Take suggestions for songs that you haven't played recently during the performance. Show your enthusiasm as you perform and engage the crowd as you sing along to add excitement and encourage them to tip you.
Don't ask the audience for suggestions if you don't know a lot of songs
Step 4. Thank the audience no matter how the presentation turned out
Once you finish a song, you should thank the audience for taking the time to listen to you. Let the crowd know that you have a container where they can tip you if they enjoyed your performance. Tell them that you are going to play some more if they want to stay and listen to you.
You should always be grateful when a person leaves you a tip to show your appreciation
Advice
Have fun during the presentation! Other people are more likely to see you or tip you if they notice that you also enjoy the presentation
Warnings
- You should always be respectful if they ask you to leave so you don't get in trouble.
- Do not show up on the street without a permit if the city requires it, as you could end up paying a fine.