This subject is one thing I never really though much about until it effected me or my daughter to be exact. For those who don't know me let me start by telling you that one of my children is quite a talented musician and is only 14 years old. Up

until probably 2 years ago I never really paid much attention to people (adults or kids) that were busking. Usually because I was in a hurry to be somewhere, the story of my life really. But in all honesty there was probably only a handful of times that someone would catch my attention enough for me stop listen and to pull something out of my purse or pocket and drop it in their case. I just never really gave much thought one way or another to what they were doing.

Now Natalya has been performing on various intruments for a few years now, with different bands or ensembles that she has belonged to. Last year wilist her ensemble were performing at the Wimm festiville they were given an opportunity to take turns busking along a designated spot along the pathway. They had an absolute ball doing so. In fact she teamed up with one of the other girls her age and they did duets together as well as doing there own stint of 1/2 hour each. She had such a good time she asked me if it would be ok to go down to our shopping centre ( where I worked) and do it some more. We had seen others busking there before. 

Firstly her Dad and I discussed the issue. Vic actually saw it differently at first, than me. He said he thought it was like she was begging for money. I said I never saw a busker as a begger at all. Rather someone performing. And if people wanted to show appreciation for that music then they would. And if not they wouldn't. The way I see busking is that it's really good for the person to gain confidence in performing in front of strangers. Nat says it's a lot of fun to do, especially if it's done with a friend. And when I see a busker especially if it's a child I now make an effort to stop and listen, even if it's not for very long. If I can make a few minutes, I will. You see I know that to get to the point of being able to play songs for people usually a lot of hard work in practicing has taken place. Once Vic said Ok. We then had to make sure it would be safe and legal to do. 

We (Nat and I) approched the owner of the building to see if she could have permission. As she was saving toward the Singapore Arts tour (A school trip) it was an opportunity to fundraise for it. The first time she did busking my Aunty and I were close by. We had gained permission to have a stall selling home made jams in the mall. Nat set up outside the doors to one side, not in the way of the traffic coming in to the mall. We had organised it for a Friday afternoon. We did really well with the Jam sales and made around $70 for Nats trip. Looking in her Violin case it looked like she'd done OK too. She did play 3 intruments that afternoon. She played mostly the Violin. She also played the clarinet and the flute. For about two weeks leading up to this she practiced every day for a minimum of an hour and a half preparing songs for busking. She actually made more money than us that afternoon she got in two hours of busking $120.00. None of us could believe it. All of that money went toward her trip. After that time I learned that it was safe for her to Busk in that location. The people who work in the shops near by also know who she is and she knows if any time she feels unsafe to come in to the mall and tells someone. Mind you that's never happenend, thankfully. After that she teamed up with another friend who was also saving for a music tour with her high school band. They did busking a few times together over the christmas period. They would get together the night before and run through songs they were going to play together. One time they took four intruments each, they only did it once it was harder work than they realized it would be. Jamie took her trumpet, saxaphone, flute and penny whistle. Nat took her trumpet, clarinet, flute and violin. They played duets together and also individually. They also had to find a safe place to set up the instruments and cart them to and from the car. They stayed a whole saturday morning with me close by in my work.

Then they applied to Busk in Toodyay which is quite close to where Jamie lives. Jamies Mum rang the council to check if they were able to do it on the street. It went to a council meeting and it was decided that a permit was required, they were issued with a three month permit the inuagual one (buskers licience) issued for the town. They went a couple of times but it was never as sucessfull  as the shopping centre was. They also gave up the idea of taking too many intruments. If they busk together and they haven't in a while it's usually Jamie taking her Sax and flute and Nat with Violin and flute.  They play flute duets, the violin and flute goes well together.       

I have been in the music room when they've been organising what they're going to play together. It's really interesting to watch them sorting out who plays what part. Sometimes they'll get a piece of music from a flute book with a piano accompainment and they see how it might sound with violin instead. It gets them problem solving, practicing . Another part of busking is the interaction that sometimes they get with the people. One time I came out to find a group of four adults watching Nat playing , You Raise Me Up, which is a beautiful piece she had really learned it well as she had played it as a Solo for a recent concert. Anyway after she'd finished playing they applauded her which I thought was pretty OK. THen to my surprise she had quite a long conversation with one of the people. Later she told me he was a music teacher from a local school. He was telling her about what he used to play, and how he'd enjoyed Busking when he was younger and going through University.  Another time she told me how when she played a piece a lady was smiling and had tears in her eyes. Older people often will stop and have a few words to say about music. They often get words of encouragement and I think it's good for their self'estem.

I have a few tips if your youngster is keen to Busk.

1.  Make sure that where they want to go, they have permission to do so.

2.  Make sure it's going to be safe. And depending on their age you may need to stay with them or near by. 

3. Be sure they're up to the task. They always sound great to us parents even if they're out of tune or squeak, parents don't hear that, we are         too   proud to. Must be those rose coloured glasses we wear sometimes, eh. The last thing you want is someone saying they sound awful. So just be sure you think they're ready. Usually when they've performed at concerts a few times and they need to have been playing for a couple of years.  

4. Make sure they are well prepared. Have quite a few songs ( at least 10) that they are confident in playing.

5. Have pegs to hold the music pages form blowing around if it's windy .A drink bottle. A hat or sunscreen on.

6. Make sure they understand it's not a sure thing or get rich quick scheme. Sometimes they may get a heap and sometimes not so much. It's got to be understood that it not a reflection on their ability. People may be in a hurry. Or maybe they  don't have any spare change that day. They need to understand that it's not just about the money. It's about performing and confidence. 

You can send your child to music lessons for year and years. They can be great at playing an instrument. But if they don't get to perfom it anywhere, what is the fun in it ? This happened to my girl. She played her violin from the time she was five until nine or ten. She was given an opportunity to play with other kids. She absolutley loved it. She hasn't looked back. She has played in the training band and junior band for one school. A private ensemble. Her current schools string ensemble when it was going. Her school Jazz band,last year. Her schools concert band last year and currently. Her schools choir, currently. A private group of 4 friends who sing and learn guitar together, currently. Now she could hang around shopping centres or go to the movies and stuff. Or she could practise her music and perform and busk when it's ok to.I know what I'd rather. In no way do I see it as begging. I see it as reward for the hard work, time and effort she puts into her music.        

I know many people don't see busking the same as I do .And of course it's everyones right to their own oppinion.However after reading this article I hope people that may have been like myself and given no thought to them, might now consider how many hours practise might have gone into them playing or singing so well.