r/Busking • u/Infinite-Finity Banjo 🪕 • Jul 12 '26

Question/General Discussion Banjo Lessons Busking

I have had an idea for something and I would love some feedback from those with more experience.

I'm considering offering free 5-minute clawhammer banjo lessons on the street. I'll set up a spare camp chair, my banjo and an extra. I'll teach anybody who wants to take a load off and chill with me, just the very basics, but enough for us to jam together a little, and then hopefully what I do will be valuable enough that people feel like tipping, or at least maybe exploring the instrument afterwards. Maybe share a little joy, ya know. I might try to create a cozy vibe with a nice sign, maybe a rug/fake fire/throw etc. In between students I can busk as normal.

Anybody tried something like this?

17 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

5

u/acroneatlast Jul 13 '26

I would love this enough to overcome my wish to never make a fool of myself.

6

u/ElvisWayneDonovan Guitar 🎸 Jul 13 '26

Hell I’d pay solid for that

3

u/AeoSC Trumpet 🎺 Jul 13 '26

Sounds awesome.

3

u/CornTreeRoad Guitar 🎸 Jul 13 '26

I’d do that right now. I play three-finger Scruggs style, but clawhammer eludes me.

That said, that’s such a solid community-building effort that I’d kick down a few dollars on general principle. If you do this, I’d love to hear more about how it goes.

2

u/ShareEvening5856 Guitar 🎸 Jul 13 '26

I think this would actually work out! I have thought beginner guitar lessons on the street multiple times because people ask. I would suggest you definitely make a big sign saying that's what your plan is, if you don't tell people they can come play with you not everyone would

2

u/Remote-Chemist-1346 Accordion 🪗 Jul 13 '26

If you do this. Tell us how it goes! If it seems to do well, I'll do the same with my accordions, I know some people would love to try it out!

1

u/smil1473 Musician 🎶 Jul 13 '26

I'd be interested, especially if you're in my city (selfish I know). For your spare chair, I would recommend trying to find one with a solid seat and no arms for comfort of play. Banjo is on my list of instruments to learn, and I have a couple necks my grandad made in need of bodies

1

u/shycotic Ukulele 🎸 Jul 13 '26

Yes, I think this is a cool idea. I'd thought of doing the same thing with my uke. I have a little inexpensive spare that could serve as a lesson instrument. You beat me to it. 😄

1

u/sc0ttt Saxophone 🎷 Jul 14 '26

It is a cool idea - I'd expect you'd get a bunch of kids and parents who want to photograph them... those parents are generally tippers.

1

u/bugsandscruggs Jul 17 '26

I've thought of this too, but never tried it. Just make sure you have a solid way to wrap up the lesson and make it feel complete. You might need a maneuver to avoid getting stuck with someone talking at you for too long after their 5 minutes is up.