VEEEERY nicely done, Glenn- thanks!

Jim

It is all about perception, no matter how much one knows or how 'well' he/she performs, it is how the performer is perceived by the spectators. We can't master all, but should be master of few. We can't be everything to everyone.

Glenn, I just saw your Master Magician video, and that was indeed the work of a Master Magician! Congratulations sir!

Jim

Small difference, Glenn.

The guy with the official Master Magician Certificates, suitibale for framing of course.

If you were truely a master couldn't you just produce the certificate out of thin air????

I may not be a MASTER, but I AM



Wanna make something out of it?

I agree that magic is too broad to be able to compose a step-by-step progression chart for the whole of it, but maybe it would be possible to construct a progression from layperson to competent magician with a focus upon the key fundamentals, and perhaps an elective or two for the various areas.

Fundamentals might include such things as theory, performance, audience management, history, business skills etc which are applicable to every area, and then perhaps the most fundamental slieghts and ideas of the key areas: cards, mind magic and mentalism, cups, coins, rope, illusion, etc

In order to be a master magician IMHO, you have to have to be able to perform every effect named by Fitzkee. I think this is quite fair.

Or, alternatively, you have to know that whatever genius effect you have performed is somehow named by Fitzkee. This lowers the bar considerably.

If you also know that Dariel's last name was actually Fitzroy, perhaps you could could claim Master, but that's really lowering the bar.

:bikes:

Anatole phrased it well. It's an archaic term whose European origins come from the level of expertise in craft. It's Asian origins have more to do with magic because of such wonderful characters like Zhang Guo Lao; magician, expert at making booze and master of martial arts who could kick while doing a back flip. I did that move in a film (over David Carradine's head) because of bet with martial arts legend Mike Vendrell. The master - student relationship still prevails in the arts, but there is no rigid scale that can judge the accuracy of it's implementation.

Although I agree that magic is entirely too broad to receive a formal "Master-level" title, I think it would be interesting to at least acknowledge who is "classically trained" in the craft. Magic's organizations like the IBM, SAM, etc could publish an extensive curriculum covering various aspects of magic ranging from close-up sleight of hand, stage manipulation, to more abstract lessons like performance theory. Actually pursuing the curriculum would be optional for new, general members, but those who actively take the lessons and excel in them could/should be formally acknowledged. I don't think this would form an unintended hierarchy the way "Master Magician" humorously implies-- I think it would just instill more respect and awareness among magicians for what they love.

I believe that actors, singers, dancers, etc, all come from just as expansive forms of entertainment, but only a few of them are classically trained in their craft. The general public typically doesn't know who is classically trained, but the individual entertainer has a memorable experience and respect for his/her craft.

It'd be nice. Don't know how practical it would be, but I think it'd be a nice way to educate those among our own ranks.

RS.

That was great! Thank you for the post.

I will never obtain the title of Master Magician, but when folks tell me how much they enjoyed what I did to entertained them, that is enough.

To paraphrase Glenn, "We all put our pants on one leg at a time". Unless you sit down of course. May be Losander could work on that for us to buy.

I put my pants on over my head.

It is quite demanding but it is only through these challenges that we may live up to our full potential and rise to Super Human status.

-Mary Mowder

~TARBELL~ This is the very closest to the course you speak of that will ever exist. As Jay Marshall said, any person who masters at least 10% of Tarbell's material, would possibly be the greatest magician alive.