Music Under New York

Music Under New York (MUNY) is a part of the Arts & Design program by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) that schedules musical performances in the New York City Subway.

MTA grants every musician the legal right to perform, with or without MUNY affiliation. However, MUNY gives particular visibility and promotion to over 350 artists and groups who choose to participate. MUNY locations include approximately 30 high-traffic commuter stations, including the subway, Long Island Rail Road, Metro North Railroad, and Staten Island Ferry.

Prohibition of musical performance in the New York City Subway was prevalent since the opening of the first line in 1904. The ban continued under Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who also made it illegal to perform on New York City streets. Some musicians still sang and played instruments through the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s in an effort to reclaim public space. Finally in 1985, the ban on subway performance was declared unconstitutional following a court challenge by musician Roger Manning, and the MTA created MUNY as a pilot program. The program became official in January 1987.

MUNY had no impact on the legal status of subway performing, as MUNY performers are covered by the same rules governing the general public. However, affiliation with MUNY provides benefits to performers. These include priority scheduling in popular locations, access to commuter railroad terminals, and fewer problems with law enforcement. And, because the MUNY scheduling system rewards its auditioned performers with access to high-traffic areas, it arguably results in a higher-quality artistic product for MTA riders.

It is legal to perform music in the New York City Subway with or without a MUNY affiliation. MUNY members as well as freelance performers are subject to regulations of the New York City Police Department and MTA. Section 1050.6 (c) of the New York City Transit Authority's Rules of Conduct regulates the provision of entertainment on the subway:

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