Street Musicians are such an annoyance. They are everywhere. Either at the public transportation or at the restaurant, they come at your place and without any permission they start playing and singing.

The most common genre they play is rock and romatic music. These guys almost always carry a guitar which clearly has taken some damage.

Sometimes these musicians are good singers.

Siometimes they play well.

And sometimes they do both things…and that´s when you turn your head and say…hey!

Those players stop being an annoyance. They slowly slip into your head like a soft soundtrack. You look at them and they immediately look friendlier than before.

You pay more attention and from that point the music becomes pure enjoyment.

All of a sudden in your mind you decide to tip her. No matter the amount. You already stated that the singer deserves it.

A business deal has just been closed.

Now, let´s rewind everything a little bit to understand what happened.

A complete stranger approached us with an unknown objective (although the guitar gave us an idea of what was coming). We did not rejected her immediately -it is not like we´re such horrible people- but both parties knew what was going on. The clock was ticking and the time for an unsolicited audition was running out.

Time to put all the cards on the table:

-Street musicians don´t worry explaining how great they are before playing.

-They don´t explain to us where they studied, what degrees they have or how many influental people they know.

-They have no idea if they would meet an hostile audience, encounter a police man or battle with another musician for the space.

They give just their performance. That´s it.

Funny how other artists mind work following a complete inverted order, by presenting themselves in first place and giving specific details about their curriculum, waiting for permission to show their best piece of work.

By that time your audience has already made up its mind.

They have decided if they will tip you or not.

Don´t get me wrong. I´m not saying to go outside and bother everyone like a crazy maniac. What I mean is when opportunity knocks, open the door instead of asking who it is. Do not be afraid of giving first and expect nothing in return.

Let´s say for example, you want to reach somebody in specific:

1)Do your homework, so you get to know that person the best you can.

2)Practice for your unexpected audition by rehearsing over and over her favorite song. Heck even better, write a new one specifically suited for her.

3)When you reach her, go on with your audience.

From there, let serendipity play its part.

Indeed, there are thousand factors that play a rol and are not at your control. Nevertheless, if your performance reaches her heart, pulls a string or provokes curiosity, be sure you´ll get your reward that very same moment.

If you design, create prototypes and show them working. If you are an artist do your stuff and share it with the world.

You know?

I have not yet changed my mind.

I´m still annoyed by street musicians, but the idea of never listening to them again would be so much sadder than having some beautiful silence because I might lose something extremely important: the chance to be surprised.

Don´t be afraid. Go for it.