Learn to talk while playing! I thank every person who tips us, and as the hammered dulcimer player, MUST answer every question about my big funny looking instrument. The only person who is allowed to play without talking/smiling/thanking, is someone who's mouth is full.........of flute, that is!
We have sign on the case "Please support the arts" This works better than any other sign we have ever used, better by far than the tacky "tipping is NOT a city in china"