While riding on the TTC, one may hear the sweet sounds of a flute, a bad-ass bass, or the strum of a guitar.
It’s all thanks to the TTC Underground Sounds Subway Musicians Program and the individuals who play for commuters.
Mel Harrietha, 76, has been playing on the TTC for more than 20 years and said he chooses to play because he still can, even though he is in a wheelchair.
“It’s the best form of physiotherapy I have ever had,” Harrietha said.
He said he could receive another licence from the TTC this year.
The TTC holds auditions for a musician’s licence every three years. This year, musicians have to submit their audition tape by March 31.
Harrietha said he suffered a stroke six years ago yet brings himself and his wheelchair to accessible stations throughout Toronto. He said it keeps him young and happy.
Not only is Harrietha a TTC musician. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer network engineering from Ryerson, now Toronto Metropolitan University.
“Overcoming disability or accommodating disability is essentially a function of engineering,” he said.
Harrietha plays the guitar, bass, harmonica, and tambourine using his feet. He said he has always loved music, and that his passion is found in sound.
TTC musicians have 29 designated spots along the subway where they can play. They can opt to self-advertise and play their music, or cover loved bands and artists.
The TTC Musicians program began in 1980, but that doesn’t mean musicians weren’t playing on the subway before.
Harrietha said the subway was a free-for-all before the TTC made it a requirement to have a licence to play on the subway.
He said Subway Elvis was the biggest act, playing for commuters on the subway cars. Elvis made hundreds of dollars a day, Harrietha said.
“I don’t care how much people give me, they give what they can,” he said. “One day, this young man gave me a tinker toy, because it’s all he had, and I still have it today.”
The TTC said they will give 90 new musicians a licence to perform from April 29, 2024, to April 28, 2027.
Harrietha said he hopes to be chosen again with his partner Natalie Wong, who plays the violin.
The two create a musical masterpiece with their marriage of strings, Harrietha on the guitar and Wong on the violin.
Wong currently works a nine-to-five job and has an ARCT performance diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music majoring in violin performance at the University of Toronto.
Harrietha said he’s good, but with Wong, he’s great.
Rick Leary, TTC CEO, said in a statement that the TTC is psyched for the continuation and growth of the musicians program.
“The TTC is a proud champion of local artists because, like them, the TTC is an integral part of Toronto’s cultural lifeblood,” he said. “The Underground Sounds Subway Musicians Program sets a gold standard for public transit engagement and brings a little magic to the daily commute.”
The TTC said the program allows musicians to find their groove and perfect their craft.
“TTC Underground Sounds Subway Musicians have been involved in projects to celebrate special events happening in Toronto, and they’re often approached to play private functions or give music lessons,” it said.
The TTC said their musicians consist of Royal Conservatory of Music graduates, Juno award winners, and symphony performers.