Prior to the Subway Musicians Programme, performers were not allowed in the subway because such activity contravened TTC by-laws. TTC Supervisory personnel and Special Constables are responsible for ensuring that the public complies with by-laws and, in the past, musicians playing in the system were requested to leave.

With few exceptions, most performers co-operated, but there were some who persisted despite numerous cautions and warnings. As a result of continuing interest from musicians and our customers, the presence of musicians in subway stations was formally considered by the Commission.

In July 1979, the Commission approved a policy allowing musicians to perform in the subway system with an initial test programme beginning in September of that year for six months. Eight stations were chosen based on input from TTC staff and musicians. A survey of TTC passengers about the subway musicians was conducted in January 1980 and showed that 74% of TTC passengers were in favour of having the musicians present within the system.

In August 1980, the Commission approved the Subway Musicians Programme on a yearly basis. The programme would be reviewed by staff on an ongoing basis to ensure that it continued to be in the best interest of the Commission and its customers.

About 50 performers participated in the first Subway Musicians Auditions in 1979. This number has steadily increased over the years, with the average being about 160 musicians.

While most of the auditioning entertainers are guitarists, the list of instruments played at the auditions has included the balalaika, violin, kalimba (thumb piano), cello, saxophone, mandolin, cimbalon, dizi (Chinese Flute) pan flute, banjo, dijerridoo, bassoon, hurdy-gurdy and steel pans. Also, many of the auditioning musicians play and sing original music.

Underground sounds in the subway have included: African, American, Celtic, Chinese, Jamaican, Japanese, Latin and Ukrainian to name a few.

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