You are absolutely right. A wide smile, a bright open face, a lively person and more or less living the music will definitely encourage your audience to be generous towards you.

Thanks i have really appreciated your busking videos

The food and water part was never obvious to me, ha. I really lost myself playing and after I'm done, I kind of realize how hungry or thirsty I am. Good tip.

Also, Lucy, is a good tip about bag, towel and handling money. Money is indeed dirty and I wouldn't want my precious blue stuffed case to get dirty. And it never crossed my mind of putting some of my cash in the case to get things starting. Seems like a good idea. Thanks for that.

Also also, here are somethings I think you missed: -Bring a cushion for yourself. An orthopedic one will give your back a lot of relief, and will also allow you to sit everywhere without having to get you clothing dirty. -Flashy sun glasses! -A classy hat. -A bucket of flowers (to give to people who approaches you) -Some healing salve and massagist tools for your muscles/fingers. -A folding luggage cart (if your accordion inside its case weights more than 10Kg). Your back and shoulders will thank you for that. Also, I wouldn't recommend going out in winter because is not good for the accordion reeds (and your health) and there aren't many people walking in the streets anyway. I would rather find public indoor areas. Finally, bring an air horn to deal with jerks with saxophones! (joking)

this content is so interesting even for somebody who has no intention of busking!!!! I miss your cool jumper from the last video though hehe! Thanks Lucy

Thank you for this advice and encouragement! I'm eager to try playing in public someday but still haven't quite worked up the nerve. You inspired me to look into the rules in my city in northwest USA and I'll share in case it's of interest to others (I'm curious how much it varies from place to place). In most public places here it's not really regulated as long as you aren't causing a nuisance (too much noise), blocking sidewalks/streets, harassing people for money (a sign by your case/hat/jar is recommended), or playing too late at night. In public transit stations, there are marked spots where you're allowed to play. In the popular market area, it's more regulated and sounds similar to the Melbourne shopping strip you mentioned -- submit an application, go to an interview, pay a permit fee and receive a permit badge. Then on site there are designated performing spots. People wait in line for the spots and if someone else is waiting behind you, you have an hour time limit for that spot... oh and no amplification, no drums, no percussion.

I'm still not ready to busk, hopefully by next Spring. When you mentioned smiling it made me think of Smiling Jack, who was befriended and mentored by Dick Contino when he was still with us. He makes his smile a big part of his act. A bit too much kitch for me in his videos, after a while I'm usually thinking 'shut up and play', though he's made quite an act with his 'Smiling Jack, Accordion Sensation' routine. I will check the laws here in NYC, as far as I know I would need to audition if I intended to play in the subway. More likely I'll start right here in Queens, I know that even if I don't undertake serious busking, once my skills are better, playing in public, even simply on a park bench for my own and others amusement will be good for me. Thanks as always :) oxo

Excelente❤❤❤

How many songs should you bring to your first busking session? Great video by the way 😊

@accordionlucy

7 ай бұрын

Thanks! At least 5 songs. That’s if you’re in a high traffic area where the audience turnover is fast. If playing where people are standing in a line, sitting down, then try to have maybe 12 songs. You don’t want them getting annoyed by the repetition!

@MattScottMusic

7 ай бұрын

In my experience many buskers start with about half a song! (Joke! But I bet that there is one or two who did. In some locations the passing people are so fast you wouldn’t need more than that, except to stop yourself getting bored.)

Very, very interesting. I think that you forgot something: Bring your musical instruments too 🙂

@accordionlucy

10 ай бұрын

Of course!

Also, about percussion... You are not right, Lucy. You are playing 3 instruments at once! Remember the bass side is also playing the accompaniment. As as accordionist, you are already a one woman band!

That answered all my questions I was going to ask you actually. I'm not sure if I missed it but public liability insurance is a good one. Great video 🪗