[icebraining]

I don't understand why you think that even in a place where lots of people care about culture one can simply decide to play at a concert whenever they want, especially if they are still students. And he specifically says he's busking as an alternative to practicing at home, not as an alternative to playing at a concert.

In my limited experience, places where there is more interest in erudite music also have more people busking, not less, since there are more players overall.

[stevetjoa]

Steve here. Indeed, I already play at least four orchestra concerts per year and a number of chamber performances. Busking provides a performance opportunity of a different sort by playing solo music which is more exposed and musically dense.

And yes, you're also correct that for some instruments, concerts are not easy to come by. Our orchestra has a wait list of 70 flutes! Our #1 organizational challenge is figuring out how to provide more performance opportunities to more people in a financially sustainable way.

(Incidentally, I have seen one solo flautist busking in Powell Station. He was a high school student.)