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Get Paid to Play: Street Performing in New York City
I got the chance to talk to my friend Cat Greenfield about her life as a part-time street performer in New York City. Cat and I were hanging out recently when she mentioned her gig as a performer on the city streets. This sparked my interest, and I asked her about the nitty-gritty of her job and how much she actually earns. Cat was happy to share her experiences.
Starting Out as a Street Performer
Cat started playing music outside her high school and then at college, gradually making more money from people passing by. When she arrived in NYC, she found out that performing in the subway was warmer and had better acoustics than playing outside. Plus, there were plenty of other musicians doing the same thing.
The Rules of Street Performing
What about the permits? She explained that to amplifying your music, you need a permit. Even though it’s not technically required to play music in certain locations, like Times Square, the police still prefer you to have one. These permits, offered by MUNY (Music Under New York), are given out once a year and can allow you to regularly perform in specific locations. Unfortunately, Cat wasn’t able to get one yet because of her schedules. And yes, performing with amplified music on board a train is not allowed.
How Much Do Street Performers Make?
So, how much does she make? Cat shared it depends on several factors — the day, time, weather, location, even what you wear. Depending on the location, dressing differently can attract more money. In some neighborhoods in Brooklyn, she says, “the quirkier you are, the more money you’ll make.” In wealthier areas, dressing in a modest and relatively upscale way gets more tips.
This isn’t manipulation, Cat explains, but about helping the listener feel comfortable since you’re the one entering their day. She reported that earnings could be as low as $5 in two hours or as high as $78, depending on where and when she’s performing. Sometimes, her earnings from a less-than-ideal location only amount to $15, but that’s what she uses to feed herself.
Choosing The Right Spot
How about picking the right spots? Cat has certain spots she frequently visits where she believes her voice sounds better due to the acoustics and lower competition from other performers playing the same music. She also takes into account the level of crowd, the proximity to noisy trains, and the overall mood of the crowd.
The Street Performing Lifestyle
When asked if she has relied solely on her busking income, Cat said although it’s a part of her income, she also has other freelance work. But there have been months where if she didn’t pull a modelling job, she’d be surviving mainly on her earnings from the subway. “Every penny helps me get to my next audition, and I’m always incredibly grateful for any money someone gives me,” she elaborates.
Gigs From Street Performing
Through street performing, Cat has also gotten a few interesting gigs. These include a gig at a funeral, playing at a cooperative in Queens, modeling for photographers she met, and occasionally giving guitar lessons.
If you’d ever want to consider street performing in New York City, Cat recommends checking out BuskNY — a group that helps street performers with legal issues.
A final note from Cat to the public: “If you take a photo of a street performer, throw them a quarter. We love it when people take pictures, but hey, you stopped for a bit. You can spare a penny.”
Tags: street performers, street performing, BuskNY, Cat Greenfield, how to become a street performer, how much do street performers make, MUNY, Music Under New York.