Everyone’s heard musicians playing on street corners. You’ve probably seen them sitting next to their open instrument cases as passersby drop spare change and crumpled dollars inside. As you probably know, playing in a public place is called busking, and it’s a popular way for violinists and cellists to make a few extra bucks — especially in big cities and areas with lots of foot traffic.
But where is it appropriate and inappropriate to play? Street corners seem to be acceptable forums. Subway platforms are another fashionable venue. But what about inside a subway car where passengers are quite literally a captive audience?
Recently, a young man took his cello aboard a subway in New York City and played a Bach piece for the strangers around him. You can watch the video here. It’s difficult to discern whether the cellist’s fellow riders are enjoying the show or are annoyed that their commute is being disrupted by an unrequested musical number.
An article in Gothamist disapproved of the performance.
“There’s something just a little more intrusive when the busker not only steps off the 
platform and onto the train, but also takes up precious space to deliver the entertainment with their massive cello,” says the Gothamist piece. ”And don’t those violent, jagged movements needed to play the instrument basically look exactly like someone is murdering your peace and quiet?”
What do you think? Is it OK to play music on a subway? Are there places where it’s not appropriate to perform? If so, where?