Anonymous
Post 05/30/2025 08:31     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Anonymous wrote:Find a good community theater program and audition for their next musical that includes kids

Any tips for how to find such a thing? I have no idea.
Anonymous
Post 05/30/2025 08:19     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the constructive ideas. I'm not "subjecting" her to this. It's her idea. She wants to perform for strangers. If those strangers decide they don't want to hear her, they can move on. Why am I "subjecting" anyone to anything? I'm just asking where you've seen busking. Thanks!


My kids want to do plenty of things I won’t let them do. Grow up. No one wants to hear your six year old perform outside a metro or coffee shop. It comes across as exploitative even if she’s really good. And most six year olds aren’t good singers, sorry. If they are, they’re in private vocal lessons. If she has that potential, go that route.
Anonymous
Post 05/30/2025 07:26     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
My kid also had a weird obsession with wanting to busk from age 6-7. I agree with PPs who say you should just sign her up for a real performance opportunity. It will be safer and a better experience for everyone. In my case, we happened to be traveling with his instrument and I let him practice in a corner of the airport. The crowd of people ignoring him let him get over his delusions pretty quickly! Now we enjoys performing in appropriate settings - for relatives, at school, and in group class.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2025 20:05     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Farmers market.

I had a coworker who busked for fun after work near the White House (before that area was so locked down). True story. He loved doing it.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2025 12:01     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Anonymous wrote:My 6-year-old singer wants to sing for an audience, preferably on a stage (She's got a set of about 10 songs, David Bowie mostly). I'm thinking busking. Where are good spots? Do we need a permit? Or any other suggestions where she can perform? Thanks!


Sign her up for theater camp or have her audition for a local play or just do the backyard thing.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2025 11:34     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Just please be careful if you do this near a metro. You wouldn't believe the disturbing things people do and say in front of our young girl scouts who sell cookies at metro train stations.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2025 11:20     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the constructive ideas. I'm not "subjecting" her to this. It's her idea. She wants to perform for strangers. If those strangers decide they don't want to hear her, they can move on. Why am I "subjecting" anyone to anything? I'm just asking where you've seen busking. Thanks!


Next time you see an Eastern European family busking, ask them about their favorite spots. I often see families in front of grocery stores or strip malls.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2025 11:16     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Outside the coffee shop or farmers market. Put out a jar with a sign that you are fundraising for charity or school. Actually donate that money too.
Anonymous
Post 05/29/2025 08:02     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Do it at the end of your driveway.
Anonymous
Post 05/28/2025 23:24     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Anonymous wrote:My 6-year-old singer wants to sing for an audience, preferably on a stage (She's got a set of about 10 songs, David Bowie mostly). I'm thinking busking. Where are good spots? Do we need a permit? Or any other suggestions where she can perform? Thanks!


Post an audio file link.
Anonymous
Post 05/28/2025 23:20     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
There should be some summer performing arts day programs near you.
Anonymous
Post 05/28/2025 22:40     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Thanks for the constructive ideas. I'm not "subjecting" her to this. It's her idea. She wants to perform for strangers. If those strangers decide they don't want to hear her, they can move on. Why am I "subjecting" anyone to anything? I'm just asking where you've seen busking. Thanks!
Anonymous
Post 05/28/2025 17:28     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Find a good community theater program and audition for their next musical that includes kids
Anonymous
Post 05/28/2025 12:18     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Anonymous wrote:Some ideas - a little tangential but maybe helpful.

Elementary school talent show

Karaoke party with friends at a business or at home

Reserve local park gazebo/party pavilion that allows music

Find a vocal teacher who helps younger talents and get her lessons/ask them

Childrens' choir

Instead of busking, I'd try a party pavilion rental at a park favored by kids as suggested above.

Another thought...in our town, the high school band, orchestra, and choir kids play songs outside local businesses to fundraiser.

Maybe if your kid is doing a fundraiser, she could find a business (I suggest an indie pet store) that would allow it.

David Bowie?!? Under Pressure? Let's Dance? Young Americans? Major Tom? I'd actually love to see this...

I suggest cross-training with Ed Sheeran songs. Some of his videos show home movies of him as a tiny musician and I think as a teen busker. I think Ed Sheeran songs would be very lucrative.



Found the Ed Sheeran baby musician and teen busking video (busking at 2:28). So cute!

Anonymous
Post 05/28/2025 12:17     Subject: Busking spots for my gutsy 6-year-old??
Some local restaurants have open mic nights. If she’s really good, she might be welcome there.

Now, if she’s only good to you then maybe stick to the living room.