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GlenD Inner circle LosAngeles, Ca 1293 Posts |
Ok, this is a question I have. A friend of mine wants to learn some magic. He wants to be able to do only a few tricks but do them well and is asking me to show him some.
I am planning on getting together with him soon to find out what he has in mind, etc. and to show him some effects. My question is, what would some of you do? Would you try and qualify him in some way or recommend him to read a book first? And which tricks might you consider showing/sharing with him? Thanks in advance, GlenD
"A miracle is something that seems impossible but happens anyway" - Griffin
"Any future where you succeed, is one where you tell the truth." - Griffin (Griffin rocks!) |
Mercury52 Inner circle Kevin Reylek 2239 Posts |
I often try to turn people toward good books or videos. I'll show them an effect like Dr. Daley's Last trick and refer them to the Easy to Master video series. If someone really WANTS to learn, they'll take the initiative to put time and money into it. Also, I figure they'll learn much better from Ammar (or whoever the author of the reference is) than they will from me.
I also recommend them to my local magic shop. If I do teach them something, I often will choose something simple, like a key card effect or simple french drop with a quarter. These simple sleights are all a layman needs to start, and it is my hope that they start learning about good presentation early on. It's amazing the trouble I've seen laymen have with "simple" things like spreading the cards out between both hands, shuffling or cutting. I love to share magic, but try to do it mostly through performance. Whatever you decide, remember that performance is what counts, and things that are simple for magicians can be pretty difficult for lay-people to catch on to. Kevin
Kevin Reylek
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Niko Special user England 599 Posts |
I think the main thing to find out is: are they going to take it seriously? If no, teach them a card trick or two that involves no sleights and isn't all that great. If they say they are serious, refer them to some (expensive) books to see their commitment. Then lend them all your books and introduce them to the world of magic.
BUT ONLY IF THEY ARE SERIOUS -Nik
When you do something right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all.
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redstreak Inner circle A.K.A David Kong 1368 Posts |
We’ve probably all been asked, “will you teach me a trick?” First of all, you have to see if they are really genuinely interested. You can tell just by their enthusiasm usually. I won’t teach them anything if all they want to do is know how to do it. People will beg and beg and beg and beg and beg and beg and… well you get the point, only to know the secrets and tell their fiends.
Of course, there are some “laymen” type tricks, which are ok to teach as a sort of giveaway. I’m addressing actually teaching them to be a magician and showing them the real stuff. First I would show them a few little things like how to shuffle in the hands with a bridge, the overhand shuffle, and a one handed cut if they are interested in card magic. If they are interested in coin magic show them how to really classic palm, finger palm, coin roll and French drop. Sometimes, they will have already learned those techniques but not actually practiced them. They will probably want secrets, not sleights that they already read in a book somewhere. I’ll show them a simple effect, using those sleights, to convince them that you really can to cool tricks with them. Tell them to go home and practice, practice, practice. If they really want to be a magician, they will practice. The next time you see them, I might show them a little more stuff like that, but still not a shuffle control or a double lift. Then, if they are really showing an interest, teach them one “good” trick. Recap (by Greg Wilson, available from a couple of his videos and Art of Astonishment #1) is an excellent example for the following reasons. 1. It really is a great trick that is good enough for a pro. 2. It is a great lesson in misdirection. Misdirection is probably the one thing that beginners disregard the most, and is one of the most useful elements in magic. 3. It doesn’t use many standard sleights that you would see in an average magician’s routine. So you aren’t making a potential bad spectator if he loses interest in magic. 4. It uses borrowed objects so he doesn’t need to carry all kinds of props around with him. |
SOHA Regular user NJ 178 Posts |
Quote: I agree, and if you find out that they are serious, you might have a partner who you could share magic with, and who could help you improve your magic by giving comments on it.
On 2004-04-28 14:46, Niko wrote: |
Dawai Regular user Honolulu,Hawaii 131 Posts |
GlenD
If his a good friend and serious about magic both of will benefit from each other. |
GlenD Inner circle LosAngeles, Ca 1293 Posts |
First off, thanks to everyone who took some time to respond and offer advice, etc. I apreciate the feedback and everything.
I consider him a good friend at this point although I have only known him for about a year and a half. He has seen me do some magic but not a lot. I did a table hopping gig for him and his wife at a reception after their baby dedication and one other time when he was in the hospital just a few weeks ago. I visited him and he wanted to see some magic that I do since he didn't get to see much the last time due to being the host. Actually he had invited all of the nurses to his room to see some magic, so I ended up with a small audience. I only mention all of this as a little background, his recovery time is going to be at least a month and he mentioned to me that he would like to learn a couple of tricks. At this point, he doesn't seem to be interested in seriously getting into magic but he did say that he wants to learn a few tricks and be able to do them well. When we get together again, I will find out more specifically what he wants and what might be of interest to him. Personally, I have no problem showing (performing only)him a few effects and letting him choose the ones he would like to be able to do. Any other suggestions are certainly welcome including ideas for what tricks might be good for him in this situation. By the way, his medical issues will not be a problem for doing magic. Again, thanks for all the replies, I hope I havent rambled on too much. GlenD
"A miracle is something that seems impossible but happens anyway" - Griffin
"Any future where you succeed, is one where you tell the truth." - Griffin (Griffin rocks!) |
BWind Loyal user Honolulu, Hawaii 260 Posts |
GlenD,
I would probably invest in a beginner type magic book for him,(easy stuff, mostly impromptu) and see how he does; If the magic bug has really bitten him, the motivation to progress will be self-evident; Remember how it was for you! BWind |
Showmethatagain Regular user 147 Posts |
I would probably show him some basic stuff, but last time I showed a friend some basic coin tricks he got a bit cocky and now thinks he know's how to do every trick I show him since.
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maniac New user Atlanta, Ga 65 Posts |
I would show him something that I would'nt do but still a good effect. Tell him to pratice and perform it for me the next time we meet. If he is serious about it, you should be able to tell.
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Reis O'Brien Inner circle Seattle, WA 2467 Posts |
Well, now that well over a month has passed, how did it turn out Glen? Did you teach him some stuff? Is he enjoying the learning process? Fill us in!
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abc Inner circle South African in Taiwan 1081 Posts |
I'd also like to know what happened but just for reference.
There is nothing wrong with people learning magic that don't want to become serious magicians. If they are serious hobbyists it is great. |
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