Busking study: classical music rakes in more earnings than rock, jazz or pop covers

A street musician wears a face mask while playing the violin in Valletta, Malta. Photo: Reuters

Ed Sheeran started his musical career playing in the streets of Dublin. Back in the day, the artist could perhaps have made a better living if he had played classical music rather than pop or rock songs, according to the findings of a team of European researchers, published in a recent study.

From New York to Shanghai, London to Berlin, music lovers can find street musicians in most cities of the world. But their income isn't always stable, since they depend on the generosity of passers-by. However, a study, recently published in the Marketing Letters journal, reveals that certain musical and meteorological factors can increase their earnings.