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55Hudson Special user Minneapolis 984 Posts |
I've been wondering about taking magic lessons and would like some advice from the Café. With the availability of great DVDs from specialists, is it better to just spend practice time with the DVDs or split that practice time with instructors? As a follow up, if you do recommend instruction, how do you evaluate the instructor?
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Johnny Butterfield Veteran user 378 Posts |
Until DVDs can watch you work, and give you honest feedback, instructors still have immense value. Even in the mirror, or on video, you can't see it happen as others do.
The current economic crisis is due to all the coins I've vanished.
The poster formerly known as Fman111. |
55Hudson Special user Minneapolis 984 Posts |
Thanks Fman111. But how about selecting a good instructor? Just because someone is a good magician, doesn't seem to me that they would be a good instructor. What process can be used for such an assessment?
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davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
Personally I never took magic lessons from an instructor. To start, what experience to you have? How enthusiastic are you regarding magic? Are you willing to put the time and money into it? What type of magic interests you? Close-up, Parlor,(performing for a small group) Stage, utilizing larger props etc. etc.
What is your end game? Do you just want to entertain friends or would you like to pursue paid performances? I'm sure you will get many different answers. I absorbed Paul Harris' Stars of Magic videos at that time. I spent hours learning the routines the moves and the effects in parts and then as a whole. I LOVED to practice. (That is key IMO) I joined the SAM and went to meetings and learned from other enthusiasts who were willing to share and saw my enthusiasm and RESPECT for the art. I bought books, yes many books. I have a few hundred DVDs too and yes I've learned something from every one of them. That was almost 15 years ago and I still love to learn. Although magic is not my main income source it provides me with a decent second income. Some suggest to find a mentor, someone who is willing to share their experience, time and talent. Beware that's not easy to do since so many enthusiasts slowly loose interest and a mentor is very cautious of wasting his/her time not to mention the valuable information being shared that is not valued. If you want personal instruction, some community colleges offer classes. Other than that find someone who is actually performing successfully in the field that interests you and just ask.... My 2 cents. David Paul
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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55Hudson Special user Minneapolis 984 Posts |
Thank you for your thoughtful response David.
I have been studying magic seriously for the past two years. An empty nester, I've found time to pursue a hobby that has interested me since high school, but one I had not devoted much time to. Over the past two years, I've spent about 4 hours per week studying and practicing. I have about a dozen DVDs and an equal number of books. I enjoy Close-up and Parlor, and recently joined IBM and SAM. I don't aspire to make a living in magic, but am a bit of a perfectionist. If I'm going to do something, I want to do it right. |
stijnhommes Special user 568 Posts |
Join a magic group. IBM, SAM, or whatever exists in other parts of the world. Places like these give you the feedback and give you ample time to evaluate your local magicians to see if any of them are a possible fit to mentor you.
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55Hudson Special user Minneapolis 984 Posts |
MacGyverMagic,
I recently joined both SAM and IBM and have attended a couple of the IBM meetings. They have been very helpful at the meetings, but was considering additional classes -- sounds like your suggestion is that networking and work of mouth would be the best approach to find a mentor? Hudson |
The Burnaby Kid Inner circle St. John's, Canada 3158 Posts |
Hudson,
If you're in Minneapolis, you're already within reach of one of the finest magic teachers possible. Go to Twin Cities Magic and Costume and make friends with Tyler.
JACK, the Jolly Almanac of Card Knavery, a free card magic resource for beginners.
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Vick Inner circle It's taken me 10+ years to make 1120 Posts |
Easy & key criteria for choosing a teacher
Look at their students Is that where and what you want to achieve? Of course your results will be different but it is a good indicator
Unique, Thought Provoking & Amazing Magical Entertainment Experiences
Illusions By Vick Blog of a real world working magician Magic would be great, if not for magicians |
55Hudson Special user Minneapolis 984 Posts |
Thanks to everyone for your great advice. This has been very helpfiul as I continue my journey with magic!
Hudson |
stijnhommes Special user 568 Posts |
Quote: Yes, that was exactly what I meant.
On 2010-05-17 20:39, 55Hudson wrote: |
oOMagiiCOo New user 74 Posts |
Thanks for posting this question, the answers given have helped me a lot
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wiggenhorn New user Minnesota 6 Posts |
Hudson, Since you're in the Minneapolis area, I'll second Andrew's recommendation for Tyler. If you want to send me a PM (private message), I can give you his contact info and share some of my experiences as his student.
-Christopher |
55Hudson Special user Minneapolis 984 Posts |
Thanks to everyone. I've started taking lessons from Tyler -- two so far -- and have been very pleased. There has been immediate improvement in my presentation and technique. Great suggestions and I highly recommend lessons to anyone provided they can find a good instructor.
Hudson |
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