Would You Allow Your Child (11 Years Old) to Do This?

well there is a little about the same age who plays the trumpet down at S.F. Ferry bldg.. he isn't the greatest, but wears a dress shirt and tie and tries his best.. people seem to love him...

VERY cool.

Do look into busking licenses, which are usually required to play in public venues with a hat out. Don't want to get ticketed by the police!!!

why not you will be there :) put a little sign up stating Greg wants to earn money to buy X on his own. i think it would work out great for him. even if he only gets 5 bucks :)

This isn't panhandling or begging. That's when you ask for something (money) but don't offer anything in return. In this case, he is offering something (his music), doing so subtly, and people can choose to give or not. In any case, I bet it will encourage him to improve!
My ds2 is just like your son. Just try to stop him going out to make his way in the world! He's got lawn care in the summer and snow removal in the winter, and next year he starts work at the local baseball field. He's almost 14, and has been working on his own like that since he was 10 or 11, all of his own accord. (I wish my oldest was as motivated!) Find out if he needs a permit and make sure you are nearby. If it was my kid, I would let him do it if he asked and it was legal.

WOW! The fact that he WANTS to do this, is pretty darn great. I say let him! He'll learn fast how it feels to play for crowds. He'll learn fast if he's nervous and needs more work..no matter what, he'll learn a lot! It's a hard thing. I remember that story someone had in the New York Times about a world famous virtuoso who people would pay hundreds to see in Carnegie Hall, but in the subway, playing the EXACT SAME pieces, no one cared (I mean, he got some money, but no more than some other awesome performers down there). Your son might have an edge being a child though. So many lessons to be learned! Go for it! I would be fascinated to accompany my child to do that!

****Subway performers are not panhandlers...what?

Ditto what Tracy K. said, 100%.

Your son sounds like a really cool kid. : ) Please let us know how this turns out--I'm curious!

ETA: Just read A.L.'s response about the kid at the ferry building in SF--she's RIGHT! I love that kid and always give him a couple bucks...

I vote let him do it. And I'll also jump on the check the laws bandwagon while I'm at it. I'll also suggest, since it's holiday time and people love their party's, that maybe he could play a few songs for a small fee at some of those party's. For people you know of course. I'd hire him if I lived closer to you :)

If an adult is there with him, I don't see the harm in it.

I think it's cute and fabulous. I agree with Riley on the legal aspect...and even if it costs a few bucks, WTH...it's a memory to cherish.

Bring your good camera, and be sure to dress him nicely. I'll bet he'll do great!

ETA: While I see where Denise is coming from, I wouldn't stop him from playing in public, even if he's not that great...but do have a talk with him about how SOME people can be mean. While those people are rare, they are out there. Most people are good and kind, but he should be mentally prepared for jerks and hecklers.

ETA again: Uhm....since when is PERFORMING panhandling? The boy wants to provide a service (entertainment) for money. Just because he's not performing at some super fancy venue with insane overhead does not mean he's panhandling! Panhandlers ask for money and give NOTHING in return. What this boy wants to do is the very definition of American capitalism. Good for him!

I don't really see anything wrong with it, but you may get some strange looks from others. They may think you are "using" your child to make a buck for yourself. Or, even if you have to provide the payment yourself, but what about having him play a "concert:" at a nursing home or children's hospital?

Absolutely, I think it's a great idea. As long as there's an adult with him. I can't beleive all the comments about begging/panhandling, he would be a street performer for God's sake.
Lots of cities encourage this. SF has entire bands out playing for tips, along with magicians, mimes etc. all at varying degrees of talent. Some are really good and it makes strolling around and shopping so much fun, I've seen the trumpet kid on the Embarcadero too!.
I don't agree he has to be really good, most people will be more gentle with a kid and he'll get a hundred compliments and tips compared to the chance of a negative comment. If he's a musician he'll have to develop a thick skin anyway, right?
I have a friend whose daughter plays cello at our local Farmer's Market to raise money for music camp. Check out the opportunities for festivals and open markets in the Spring and Summer.

yes, my sister plays the violin too, and my dad used to take her to the park and she would play xmas songs, and a lot of people liked it. Some people would actually go see her, and believe it or not, she did good money.

I would do it.

I would. I like the idea of encouraging his entrepenurial spirit and his showmanship. If he is bold enough to do it, that's awesome. But have him put on a happy show with upbeat music and dressed as an elf or wearing a Santa Hat or something fun. You want people to enjoy his performance, not feel sorry for him!

I skimmed your answers and wanted to say...I don't think it sounds like begging at all!! Everyone knows an 11 year old can't make money working! Any time I see a kid at our local fairs and festivals I ALWAYS put a buck or two in their case. I think it's great.
You say you will be next to him or close by so I don't see the problem....except maybe the cold!
L.

I passed two teenagers playing Christmas duets beautifully on their violins, busking at a mall today. Busking is an art form now, and I have been to an International Buskers Festival. The performers are unbelievable, and very very clever. Good luck to your boy. All the work that he's put into practicing and learning should pay off a bit. Licences to busk are important though.

Yes, I would. It is called busking. Our son did a Bluegrass Music Camp a couple years in a row when we lived in Alaska and he and the other kids all did this once each session. They would take the kids out on the dock where there were lots of tourists. Imagine 4 5year olds playing a bluegrass song on violins! It was adorable. They got to split their money they made. I have many musician friends and many of them have done busking to practice and make a little money and spread the joy of music.

I remember my daughter and a couple of her teammates holding a sign, "will play soccer for food". They made around fifty dollars before we realized what they were doing. They didn't even have to play soccer, they were paid for making people laugh.

So far as safety goes I think Riley came up with the biggest danger, knowing the laws. Of course he should do his own research but he should be fine.

Sure. There are a lot of people who would enjoy seeing a young man play a violin. How awesome! He can leave a hat or can in front, and if people choose to do so, they can donate. I'm not sure if it's a good way to make money, but I think that with him wanting to share his music is a great way to start. :-)

Does it snow in your area? If so, he can shovel snow, de-ice windows on cars, etc. If it doesn't snow in your area, he can wash cars for the people you know to make some money. :-)

Gosh, if I lived there, I would definitely love to hear your son play the violin. What a beautiful instrument! And I would definitely pay to hear it too! :-D

In Chicago he would need a permit, so check out the legalities. But if my child wanted to do this I would absolutely encourage it.

Eh, why not - especially if you are there with him.

Just check out your local ordinances for street performers and make sure he doesn't need a license or anything.

I think it is entrepreneurial of him. Kudos.

As long as you don't leave him alone why not...Just check out the law where he is playing...sometimes there are ordinances :)

I would but I wouldn't leave him there. I'd have my mace and gun with me and stay by his side the whole time. Did you hear about the jewish boy on the news that got kidnapped and dismembered after walking home from camp a few blocks from his house? I feel for those parents cause they practiced with him for weeks so he wouldn't get lost and to not talk to strangers. Well he got lost and needless to say he asked for directions from a complete psycho.

How about have him try out in front of a store or in the mall etc? Check with the legal part but I think its a great opportunity for him to try it.

M

Yes, as long as your there to look after him.

Blessings....

My son worked up a repetoire of Christmas music and played for the company Christmas party for cash.

what a better way to learn life's lessons but to experience them!! as long as there is an adult with him....let him give it a try!!!

It sounds like you have a smart, funny, creative kid there. I would be inclined to support his creativity and entrepreneurship. The one thing I would do (and it sounds like you're on the same page) is WATCH HIM LIKE A HAWK. This does not sound like a safe thing for a preteen kid to do on his own, even for a second. You may also get some nasty remarks from random strangers in the Metro station. I recommend talking over that possibility with your son ahead of time and helping him come to a mature, not-too-judgmental understanding of why people might share unsolicited opinions, so he doesn't get scared or react defensively. But, it sounds like a brave, spirited, creative thing to do. And a great incentive to practice his instrument. I'd support it, as long as I could supervise it.

Wow I learned something new - I never knew it had a term 'busking'. Thank you mamas.

Personally I have always associated street performers as panhandlers so I would not let my son/daughter pursue this. Although it appears that I am the minority. What do you expect from someone who didn't even know it had a name (and it isn't panhandling!) LOL!

Good luck no matter what you decide.

In all honesty, it sounds a lot like begging to me.
Lots of people have a strict policy about giving to beggars and panhandlers. People might perceive it as a scam.
Maybe you'd find some kind souls to throw some cash his way though.
I probably would give a buck to a kid playing the violin for money.

His idea is good, but it almost sounds like begging, even though I understand where he is coming from. Would family and friends let you hold a concert with either donations accepted or purchase tickets?

Sure. But I think my kids would lose interest after about 10 minutes. LOL! Good luck!!!

I too would be on the fence about this and it looks like you've got some good responses. I would check with Metro and see what their policy is about this. I've seen a harp player, a sax player and someone even selling candy at the Vienna metro and no one from Metro says anything to them but I would check just in case.

I wouldn't recommend you letting him do this at the train station unless you find out what rules or laws apply. Perhaps for the holiday season you may want to check with a local supermarket. Perhaps he could play there instead or the movie theatre or bookstore or coffee shop (think Starbucks). Perhaps they would be willing to let him play there for money.

In NJ & NY the transit system has rules and regulations regarding noise which they could deem his musical performance. NY Transit also offers performers permits for this holiday season. They are only a few permits available and they have to audition for the permit. It's really quite a process. Anyone performing without the permit can be issued a summons. I would hate for that to happen to your industrious boy.

He also may offer his services to local churches or perhaps do a door to door type thing for the neighbors or offer his playing for their holiday parties. A really classy touch. I'm really proud of your son and you as his parent. Keep up the great work.

Sure... the key words in my book is that you'd be there with him the whole while.

Busking (street performing) is not panhandling or begging.
Even if you're very good, you don't make much money for the time you put into it and you could be robbed - not just the money but equipment/instrument, too.
George Burns did some busking in his younger days and he said
"Sometimes the customers threw something in the hats.
Sometimes they took something out of the hats.
Sometimes they took the hats."
I wouldn't take an 11 yr old of mine to any subway station.
I would consider taking him to a park or farmers market.
Public performing is not easy, and not everyone is going to be kind.
Dog walking or pet sitting might be a better way to make some cash.

As long as you are with him, i think it is a pretty neat idea :) What a clever little man to think of this!

I would say no to my kid on that. Your boy is too young and the idea is too borderline shady to implement.
I would praise him though for the desire to earn money on his own.

Well, it boils down to what are the laws there?

I think I would because we talk to the girls all the time about entrepreneurship so I do not think I would say a flat out no but I would help them to decide on a smaller location. Let us know how it turns out...

Hi Cheryl

I didn't have a chance to read all the responses but I would say check into the legalities first. And secondly, kuddos to your son for finding creative ways to make money. I think that it's a great idea. Everyone needs to start somewhere and who knows he may get discovered or even given an opportunity of a lifetime by someone that can really help him out. Don't let the negative comments deter you. I agree with you, he's not begging for money just simply giving people an opportunity to tip him for providing entertainmet if they so desire. Good luck.

I would. You might consider one of the suburban stops, but I think that if you are there, it's a fine idea. There was a whole WashPost article a bit back about a really talented violinist who played in one of the major stations one day, I think it was Union Station. Busking takes guts. I hope he enjoys it. I would do it for a limited time, like an hour. And don't eat! Eating even a french fry can be cause for trouble with the Metro Police. (Don't know if he needs a permit, but yea, ask).

If you're going to be there with him and you feel it's a safe place, I say go for it. Tell him up front that you're only going to let him try it a couple of times before committing to making it a regular thing. Set expectations in advance so he's not expecting to come home with a lot of money (though maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised).

I think it's great that he's trying to come up with creative ways to earn extra money, especially one that uses his talent.

My husband played guitar on the subway in NYC and it paied his bills while he was in college. So i say why not even though he is only 11:)
And no he was not begging.......he is good and people liked it........

Panhandling is against the law.....and NO I would never take my child any age to do that.

I wouldn't, only because our Metro freaks me out :). I stay as far away from it as possible...I feel like it's all that is on the news anymore some mornings.

But I do think it's a great idea for him and if you guys aren't afraid of everything like I am - then it's great :). I don't normally give money to people, but I'd toss a little bit his way :).

Why not just see if he can get booked to play at some Christmas parties and he can try to earn some money that way? Or pay him yourself to play at a nursing home or children's hospital, like someone else suggested. I agree that playing in the subway might appear to be that he is begging or panhandling and even with you guys right there, I would be concerned you all would end up in more trouble because of his age. A friend of my brother's growing up was an excellent pianist and he made a fair amount of money as a teenager playing gigs at Christmas parties (both company and private).

So long as it was legal for him to do so, YES I would let him, for the reason you give - that he's showing initiative and wanting to earn money himself. Other things he could consider would be to play at a local park or perhaps 'donate' some of his musical abilities to the local nursing home this Christmas.

why not! I am not musical, but I understand the acoustics there would be really good. What a way to motivate him to practice.

I used to teach at a school that had a pretty great bluegrass band. They were invited to play at the Kennedy Center in DC. One of the ways they earned money for the trip was by playing in public in Boulder and Denver for donations. They were all 2nd-8th grade students and an adult was always with them. They also played in DC on the mall.

I would check into legalities, but if all is ok...I say go for it! Our bluegrass kids had a blast, were very proud, and got lots of extra practice!

I think it's fabulous, and I love his ingenuity... you don't often see that from kids today!!

I would let him do it if, as you said, you're hanging around in the shadows ... but I would be a little leery if he wasn't that good.... I wouldn't want him to potentially see people being disrespectful if he really wasn't that good. That may be painful for all parties involved. Am I projecting??!! Let us know what happens!!

Yeah I think I would. I agree I think it is cool, that he wants to earn some money. Why not?

Have HIM check with Metro to see if this is even legal. I think that "busking" as this is called is not allowed in most of the DC Metro system and that when it is allowed the busker has to have a permit from Metro to do it; your son might even have to pay for that permit. Having him check this all out is a good lesson for him too, a lesson about learning the rules before doing something. He may also be prohibited from doing it because he's a minor (even if you are present, he's still the busker). You just have to find out.

If he's thinking of doing this now, or soon, I would think that the cold would be a deterrent for him -- he won't last long without gloves out there and it's not exactly great for the violin either. Even inside a station it will be cold and drafty.

I'd encourage him to check out the legalities; ask him to seriously consider the aspects of cold fingers, and strangers talkiing to him (is he up for that?); and ask him to come up with a list of solid backup ideas such as clearing up leaves for neighbors who still have those around (yes, some yards still have fall leaves in them!), or setting up a hot chocolate stand instead of a summery lemonade stand.....It's great, and do encourage him overall, but this particular "fundraiser" may be tough, especially in winter.

No would not do it. I am sure if he went to a music store and told them he
wanted to earn money, they might be able to come up with something for
him.

No, I wouldn't. Here in NY, in our subways, that typically is considered begging. It's not a way that I'd let my son (who is 12 and plays the trumpet) make money for himself.

Standing at the metro makes it sound like a street performer and my answer to that would be NO WAY.

I've stood with kids from our high school chorus who sing at the local grocery store to raise money for the school music program.

I think it's a good idea, but you need to find the right venue.

I want to go and see him. I think that has been made to look much dreamier than it is in real life. But hey musician are a different breed of people. He gets to perform, and maybe earn some money. I see now problem with that. But I tend to be a little outside the box.