BUSKING – COVENT GARDEN STYLE THE ELUSIVE PART-TIME JOB

‘Busking!’, the title above alone may make most an opera singer turn their noses up and straight out of the room (for those of you who do not know what busking means - To play music or perform entertainment in a public place, usually while soliciting money. I believe they are missing out. I don’t know about the rest of you, but definitely, if you are female, soprano and classical in your singing orientation, consistent work which is within the genre, flexible and has the potential to pay well and is not teaching, well …. It’s hard to come by, but this suits me down to a tee. What better place to do it, than in Covent Garden, London – the heart of the West End.

In one of my earlier blogs, I was looking just for this and what great ways to keep my skills up if not improve them. There is nothing like working with the public and believe me I’ve done it, in various guises; tour guide, restaurant manager, popcorn seller, voice coach, Denny’s hostess – when they still had the polyester uniforms, toilet cleaner, etc…. Here I have found a real appreciation from the public, plus a few hecklers along the way. Still what better way to face any performing fears than in front of the general public? What a great opportunity to really see whether what is being done, as a performer is being communicated well.

I will say, it’s not for the faint hearted or, if you are faint hearted; be very willing to roll with the good and bad, know that what you may get in your basket isn’t always a reflection of how good or bad you are; as some crowds may be very attentive, but not so willing to part with their spare change.

You know, this blogg’n thing may actually work, putting it down on paper and out to the world, makes the mind work towards the goals which a person may wish to achieve – it works, if ya work it!