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Arts & Entertainment

Is Playing Your Cello On The Subway Bad Subway Etiquette?


By

Jen Carlson

Published May 1, 2013

Modified May 1, 2013


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By

Jen Carlson

Published May 1, 2013

Modified May 1, 2013


Share

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This week a young man, sporting a top man bun, took his cello on the subway to play some Bach for fellow straphangers whether they liked it or not. 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 (it's unclear if an accompanying case was out of frame). And don't those violent, jagged movements needed to play the instrument basically look exactly like someone is murdering your peace and quiet?

So our subway etiquette dial is leaning towards POOR on this one. Still, wouldn't mind hearing this in a park or on the platform:

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busker

busking

cello

etiquette

subway etiquette

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Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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