|
|
Go to page 1~2 [Next] | ||||||||||
Brian Roberts Regular user Georgia 200 Posts |
I would love to know how much people practice? Night after night I sit with a book and some coins and wonder if other people are doing exactly the same thing...the same moves...at the same time!
Especially the more experienced members....maybe a better question is how often don't you practice? And hey...what do you practice most? Not patter, or acting, just basic moves. Do you have a set time to practice? etc. Should be fun to find out and would be great for the younger members to know. Best to All, B. |
|||||||||
Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Practice as opposed to learning? Okay:
I recall when I got the thing right... and duplicate that, and check the feeling and action against a mirror view. Then I take the thing to a layman and test the basic magic moment. Then I make sure to remember the performance stuff and get acting-presentation work in place. What I don't/won't do... pretend that it should feel right or good / and look good. That just does not combine for me. I won't compromise on routines by leaving out parts in rehearsal. It ALL has to flow. If it seems wrong to a test audience... then it has to be re-scripted. And lastly (for now) I NEVER expect a routine to be perfect. It can be improved in some way. Some details are compromises and I can feel them every time I do the trick in practice or performance.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
|
|||||||||
Brian Roberts Regular user Georgia 200 Posts |
Thanks Jonathan,
For interest sake though,,,do you still sit and go over a retention pass continuously to change things or try things...or work on a classic palm to get your hand flatter or more natural....or a simple utility switch...etc? |
|||||||||
Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Just a few months ago I spent two weeks learning how I naturally transfer something from one hand to the other. Just today spent an hour playing with the retention pass using unfamiliar coin... to explore the move I use. I use fingerpalm more than the classic palm and do spend time exploring options of moving coins around and looking for ways to move more naturally. These explorations are what allows my work to look somewhat natural so the sleights can go by quietly.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
|
|||||||||
Brian Roberts Regular user Georgia 200 Posts |
Thanks Jonathan,
That's what I was trying to get at. There is so much involved with making magic look natural and be entertaining, and exciting. But.... one interesting part .... is the fact that we all have different ways to approach those tiny, quiet moves. |
|||||||||
Mike Wild Inner circle NY, PA, TX, MA, FL, NC 1290 Posts |
My approach to practice & rehearsal is probably a little different than most. First, it really depends upon what I'm practicing/rehearsing. If it's something new that I'm in process of learning from square one, I'll sit in my office and work through the method that I was presented with until it feels semi-comfortable (could be hours, days, or weeks, depending on the specific moves) Then I work through the mechanics again, this time substituting moves or mechanics that are more suited to my style and tastes. If any changes are required, I enact them, and repractice until semi-comfortable. Then it goes into routining, rehearsing, and finally presentation. I take my new stuff (when I'm comfortable with it) right to the bar, and throw caution to the wind. The spectators there will let me know if things need improvement.
If I'm practicing moves or effects that are familiar, I examine the components and try to simplify everything as much as possible without sacrificing appearance and amazement factor. I rarely ever practice patter or dialogue, since the crowd is different all the time, the words and expressions need to be appropriate for the situation. I'm a good talker, so this may not be a good way to go for everyone. I do however, go over premises for effects in my head, and even verbalize them to myself when practicing. I like to have a basic idea of what I'm doing, but I don't like my actual words to sound practiced or forced. I spend about.... oh, I'd say 8-10 hours per week practicing, and about the same in live performance... which sometimes is high pressure practice Mike |
|||||||||
Brian Roberts Regular user Georgia 200 Posts |
Hey Mike,
Is there any one thing in MCM that stands out at the moment as something you've just got to learn and practice? Maybe something you have to revisit? I know this is a real loaded question considering the shear volume of Bobo's work but I thought it would be interesting. Best, Brian |
|||||||||
Mike Wild Inner circle NY, PA, TX, MA, FL, NC 1290 Posts |
TO PALM AND MAKE THE PASS WITH FORTY COINS
[Editor's Note: Here a paradoxical situation arises. The move as described is not possible to execute with thirty to forty coins. However, we shall give it in the author's own words, for what it may be worth.] ** A self-described impossible move is always an inviting challenge . Honestly, I refer to MCM almost daily as a reference when I'm trying to works bugs out of some routine or new effect. MCM is more like source of answers to the things that puzzle me than it is a source of puzzlement. I'm actually looking at the "Fancy Flourishes with coins, useful sleights, and additions to Miser's Dream" section of "The Art of Magic" currently to see what's what with that. I'm also reading "The Best of Slydini and More" and "Beyond Secrets". Additionally, I'm spending time with Al Schneider's book, a few things that Jonathan emailed to me, and a couple of Reed's booklets. "Modern Coin Magic", "Expert Coin Magic", and "Modern coin Manipulation" are a reference library that help me to understand the rest of what I see and read. Best, Mike |
|||||||||
Kozmo V.I.P. 5473 Posts |
I was in new orleans last week...did 100 street shows....10 to 12 minutes long....did the 3 effects that are in my thing all day....every day....thats a lot of practice...i practice in front of a live audience all the time
I beleive that...you cant fully ever take an effect to the highest level...with out doing it 1000's of times....in front of an audience koz |
|||||||||
Brian Roberts Regular user Georgia 200 Posts |
Wow!!! that's impressive...congrats on the shows. Kindof sounds like performance though!! What about practice....you know...by yourself...delving into a move or effect? That's really what I was getting at here....how often do you spend just going over stuff?....when do you practice? Is it regimented?? Etc.
That sort of thing...the behind the scenes Strong Magic stuff. Kind Regards, Brian |
|||||||||
Kozmo V.I.P. 5473 Posts |
I'm 47....i don't work on new stuff much...trying to make the old stuff better...but...i seem to go into these little spurts where I find something and dive into it...spent 2 years learning kurtzs flourious thing,,,never use it....but I can do it....working on the coin star....have been for years...who cares...i have maybe 7 routines that are pro quality....thats all I need....but when I start on something I will work on it sometimes 10 to 12 hours a day...plus in between shows I will take a ball and worl on this ball thing I have been thinking about...or work on what evr new eeffect...
listen....theres no art with out money...true...think about this...if you are working a job...you are not working on your art...its a vicious thing...this circle...we need money...so we sell out and get a real job....i didn't...i can work on magic all day and all night if I choose...if you are working on something other than magic...if its taking your time...your art will NEVER go to the level that you would like... irts just the way it is koz |
|||||||||
Mike Wild Inner circle NY, PA, TX, MA, FL, NC 1290 Posts |
I'm very lucky in that respect. I like my day job, I like doing the bar tending / magic thing a few nights per week, I like doing magic at various other times and places, I like my website, and I like writing my manuscripts and sharing my thoughts. I'm a lucky guy... I have a good balance that works well for me
Best, Mike |
|||||||||
Brian Roberts Regular user Georgia 200 Posts |
Hey Koz,
Really appreciate your answer pertaining to how much you practice. That's Great!! Always interesting to find out that kind of stuff. As for the last comment, I'll take it under advisment!?! Brian |
|||||||||
Kozmo V.I.P. 5473 Posts |
I'm certainly not judging anyone....and I'm sure there are tons of guys that are way better technically here....but it on;y makes sense that if you are doing something else you are not better at this...anyways...hope I didn't offend anyone...certainly didn't mean to
koz |
|||||||||
Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
Agree you gotta do it do it do it... it took me three years to get my closer to the point where it really worked 100% of the time.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
|
|||||||||
Kozmo V.I.P. 5473 Posts |
Practice practice practice pete...
koz |
|||||||||
Larry Davidson Inner circle Boynton Beach, FL 5270 Posts |
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, and perform, perform, perform.
|
|||||||||
Mike Wild Inner circle NY, PA, TX, MA, FL, NC 1290 Posts |
I'm going to have to take back my comment about about having a good balance... I'm not that good at tending bar... I could definitely work on those skills a bit.
"You want a rusty what?!?" And I've been told on several occassions that my vodka & Iced Teas are a little hard to swallow. But I will say that adapting sleight of hand to work with damp, sticky fingers has helped me in other, more tidy surroundings... so there is a balance, of sorts, going on Mike |
|||||||||
magicmonkeyphoto Regular user 151 Posts |
I practice more when I am learning or creating an effect than when I am already comfortable with a given effect. I do sometimes try to change or improve an effect that I already do. In that case, it is back to lots of practice. I think on average, I practice/learn 20 or more hours a week. Also, I am lucky enough to live close to the Magic Castle, so sometimes I will spend an additional 10 to 15 hours a week learning and practicing there. Also, I once I feel comfortable with an effect, I will perform it for laymen and magicians at the Castle. I always find that to be the best practice because I often come up with funny lines and new handling in front of real people because of the energy you get from them, and specific suggestions from fellow magicians.
Lincoln
http://www.lincolnworld.com/products -- For high end mentalist utility devices, ideas, and props for professionals and serious hobbyists. You can follow me on Instagram @Lincolnworldmagic and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LincolnWorldWatchers
|
|||||||||
Dougini Inner circle The Beautiful State Of Maine 7130 Posts |
This thing on practice applies differently to coins, as say, cards or silk magic...some stuff just hasta be "learnt"!
Case in point...I will practice my particular coin move or sleight until I can look you in the face as I do it, confident that it looks the way it should. People have actually wondered about that. Not even looking at what I'm "doing"...yep...that's how I know I'm ready to show something in the coin realm. Gotta put cards in that category as well, at least most of the time. I'm gaffed to the teeth when I do cards...hafta be...hands just ain't what they use-ta be...LOL... Other forms of magic, practice is MUCH more detailed...silk magic for one. Routines and presentation...woo...whole different ballgame. Wanna REAL challenge? Try stage magic. That'll test your mettle...it'll also tell you right away if you've practiced enough. When you think you're ready, my friend, you really have a month or more to go. Period. Learned that lesson. The HARD way... Do not skimp on practice. Doug |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Nothing up my sleeve... » » Practice, Practice, Practice (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page 1~2 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |