The subway in New York City is one of the largest subway systems in the world, and it is also known for its various subway performers. However, becoming a performer in New York isn't as easy as you might think. 　　Each year dozens of musicians try out at the annual Music Under New York (MUNY) auditions, which grants permits that make it legal for performers to entertain passersby on the transit system. Those who don't have permits can face hefty fines. 　　This year's auditions began early on Wednesday, and the contestants had to try their best to impress the 33 judges of Metropolitan Transit Authority, who will give out 20 new permits to the new talents. 　　Italian singer, Anja Ghelli, has been busking on subway platforms in New York for two years and said she knows she faces fierce competition. 　　"There's a lot of talent on the subway. I mean there are no bad musicians on the subway and some of them are you know the best musicians in the world. Not to say that they are only in New York, they are everywhere. But New York is a cut throat environment for musicians to succeed." 　　She isn't the only one who feels the pressure to obtain a permit. 　　Bassist Craig Robison said he plays twice a week at various subway stations, including Times Square, Penn Station and Grand Central station. As his daily income can range from 30-300 US dollars, obtaining a license means more security. 　　"It means security, artistic security as much as financial security...knowing that I can go out there and play when I want and that there will always be people to listen to it, there will always be people to hear something for the first time." 　　Even one of the judge, Alex Steyermark, said each year the competition gets stiffer."I think that the subway is a great forum to expose New Yorker's to good ideas and new music. I look for quality so I want them to be good musically but I also want them to be unique. That's what I look for. But I'm a tough judge, because I'm doing this for the eighth time, so I've gotten more stringent," 　　Only 350 permits are granted through the MUNY program, which is funded by the Metropolitan Transit Authority.