Program History

Customers have been enjoying the Subway Musician program for more than 44 years.

The neck of a guitar with an image of a subway train drawn into it.

Prior to 1979, the TTC didn’t allow musicians to perform in the subway. However, after a pilot project at eight stations in 1980, nearly three-quarters of customers indicated that they were in favour of music in the system, inspiring the Subway Musicians Program.

The TTC Underground Sounds Subway Musicians Program enriches the atmosphere of TTC subway stations for our customers, brightening their daily commutes and improving their overall transit experience.

Every three years, the TTC holds auditions and accepts 175 eligible auditions. Out of 175 auditions, eighty-nine (89) of the highest scoring musicians will be issued a licence to perform at one of the 29 dedicated spaces in stations throughout our subway system.

Past subway musicians have included two Juno winners, Royal Conservatory of Music graduates, symphony performers and published musicians.