Am I a Professional Now?

[Leo]

The only time I've done anything resembling proper busking was last summer in Toronto when I was playing music on the docks, mostly for the enjoyment of a handful of shipmates. One lady came by, listened and talked to us for a bit, and then, despite my protest, put a $5 bill in. I thought it was far too much, which is why I'll never be a good busker. The only other thing I brought it was a coin (it was some sort of euro, I can't remember what the denomination was) that someone threw from across the (wide) sidewalk, then cheered when he hit the case. I was somewhat less amused.

 

This past weekend I was hired to play music (fiddle only, alas) outside of an art gallery for an event, which was fun. One guy tried to give me money for it, which I turned down because I was getting paid already. (Exhibit B on why Fern is not good at this whole making money thing.)

 

As for your question though, definitely professional.

Hi Fern

 

If it were me, and not specifically mentioned or disallowed in the contract, I would accept it as a TIP. Think in the area of waiters/waitresses getting paid to take an order and serve, the gratuity is a little something extra.

 

The only thing I could come close is my son handing me a dollar to stop the noise. I think it was in retaliation of me giving him a dollar when he took up a guitar. So I accepted it with the caveat, that the silence would last for about 15 minutes. If he wanted longer, he needed to pay more. So, does that make me a professional too? I didn't have the heart to tell him I needed a break to make coffee anyhow.

 

Thanks

Leo

[JimLucas]

...the gratuity is a little something extra.

Except in the US, where there is (or at least used to be) a separate -- and lower -- legal minimum wage for those working in professions where tipping is common.