What compels a musician to busk?????
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm !

I've never really considered myself an actual "musician" as such; just a bit of a musical hack who enjoys his tunes.

However, as I have mentioned in other threads, due to unfortunate circumstances I had first, my voice (courtesy of having my vocal chords burnt when over-run by a bushfire I was fighting and inhaling flame - hose pressure failed) and then my guitar-playing (courtesy of head injuries and subsequent Acquired Brain Injury) taken from me in the space of about 8 years.

However, in the past 5 - 6 years I have learned to settle into my "new" voice and relearned a simpler method of guitar: As such I only ever played songs for children i teach in order to facilitate learning - ie War songs around ANZAC and remembrance Days; Pioneering, shearing Gold Rush songs for those topics and other stuff - soft rock ballads, British Folk, humour etc for other stuff; Peter Coombe songs for 'Little 'Uns'.

However kids at several schools asked me if I busked and I'd fob them off with "No, my playing isn't good enough any more".

However, about 18 months or more ago, I took the plunge. We have a local spot that doesn't discourage buskers - provided they are 'unamplified' or otherwise enhanced. I only busk on Saturday mornings outside of Cricket season as I umpire in-season and can't spare the time.

I have received MANY compliments and made a decent amount of money on occasions.

I think the important thing to realise as a busker is that I am playing for ME as well as the enjoyment of others and hoping to give them pleasure and I am playing for free. I don't expect money for doing what I do and thus accept any money I am tossed as a bonus.

A few times I have had a few 'fivers' tossed in (no they didn't ask for change) - one guy even came up as I was packing up and handed me a 'fiver' and I went to refuse as I had finished and he said - I was listening earlier and I loved what you played - I just got some change so plaese accept it".

Of late I now have a small laminated page in my case explaining my disability and a few Brain Foundation pamphlets nearby highlighting the ABI condition. Goes down very well. I also donate 10% of anything I make to the ABF.

Bottom line - busk if you feel the urge - if they don't like you, they won't toss antyhing in the case.

Muttley

PS Hi to Joybell (and Foolestroupe and Gargoyle) up above there.