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bbeishline New user 62 Posts |
Hi all,
I don't post here much because every time I have a question I do a search and find it's already been addressed on the forums. So much wonderful information here! I'm considering getting the Pathways to Mastery program currently available at a discount through the CC Club deck kickstarter. I did a search and sure enough, there's a thread about it: https://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/view......&forum=2 Basic summary is that it's very good. There are also a few references to Pathways in other posts, and they have also been positive. At this point I've about made up my mind to go ahead with it, but just wanted to see if there are any new thoughts on it as the last post in the above discussion was in 2016. Surely some new folks have got it since then. The overall attitude towards A.F.'s instruction seems quite positive, with a few saying that his teaching style isn't for them, and some complaints that things could be a bit more succinct. I figure more detail is better though, better to go overboard with detail and repetition than to come up on the short side. There will also be an updated version of The Paper Engine, a book I have wanted to add to my library for some time. What say ye? Thanks, Ben |
Ray J Inner circle St. Louis, MO 1503 Posts |
The Paper Engine is a book you should buy if you are serious about card magic. I do have a comment though about what you said about all of your questions being answered already. Keep in mind that while that may be the case, it may be that the people in the thread you find are no longer here and it may also be that some very good contributors never participated in those threads due to their age.
There are certainly topics that get beaten to death, but in general, most "new" questions, even if they've been asked, are still valid and are going to generate new and possibly different results. Just a thought.
It's never crowded on the extra mile....
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bbeishline New user 62 Posts |
Yes, good point about new info coming up on things that have already been discussed. And kinda why I posted it even though I found an existing discussion, I suppose. There's probably a fine line between "search is your friend" and "Let's see if there are any new thoughts on this"
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countrymaven Inner circle 1426 Posts |
PTM is good. You can learn a lot from it. But for me, the style of taking 60 minutes to sometimes explain what could be done in 10 is not for me. I prefer other teachers. I have this and reference it. But it is hard for me to sit through the pompous, over the top lengthy explanations. Trust me I am not the only one who feels this way. but the material taught is good.
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mlippo Inner circle Trieste (Italy) 1227 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 31, 2020, countrymaven wrote: I agree. He definitely knows what he's talking about, but he made me fall asleep during a few videos I saw ... MArk |
swayne100 Veteran user 389 Posts |
If you're serious about card magic and about learning, the program is great. If you're more of a novice, you'll find it boring after a point, fairly quickly.
He comes across as arrogant and condescending at times, and I agree the teaching is over the top. But for the serious student, the attention to detail put on each and every part of a given sleight or move, this level of instruction is unparalleled. |
mlippo Inner circle Trieste (Italy) 1227 Posts |
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On Sep 1, 2020, swayne100 wrote: I'm no novice at all and yet ... ZZZZZ Mark |
countrymaven Inner circle 1426 Posts |
Aaron Fisher is a master. Pathways to M. is essential. So regardless of how you like the style of a teacher, you have to get it. If you are serious.
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TeddyBoy Special user New York, NY 595 Posts |
I had recently enrolled in the Pathways to Magic Course, and after about 3 weeks left the course and obtained a refund.
The course starts off very basic, but very good and clear. I learned some useful things, even improving my overhand shuffle. However, as the material became more advanced the lectures appeared to be more off the cuff and spontaneous rather than cohesive and well-planned. For example, while Aaron would start teaching a specific sleight he would keep stopping to change the subject to how to interact with the spectator[s]. Of course, that would be fine if he first taught the sleight in an uninterrupted coherent fashion, and THEN talk about presentation matters. In one case I had to watch a lecture SEVEN times to piece together the sleight being taught. He constantly interrupts himself. The final draw came when he taught his own version of the Dai Vernon classic Twisting the Aces; I know this trick and have done it several times. But with his constant interruptions I could not get a sense of what he was doing! It was different than the classic version but I could not piece together the steps. My frustration maxed out and I asked for a refund within the allowed 60 day trial period. I was very sorry to have this happen. Aaron is obviously a brilliant cardsman who is passionate about the subject but his Freudian approach to teaching (i.e., free association) left me frustrated and even a bit angry. In all honesty, it is possible that I am just not advanced enough for his teaching style. That said, you may be fine with his approach. However the video quality is not high-end and sometimes (though admittedly not often) I could not see his hands on the screen when I felt it would have been instructive. I hope this helps. Good luck.
So many sleights...so little time.
"Slow...deliberate...natural." Bill Tarr Cheers, Teddy |
bbeishline New user 62 Posts |
Thanks for the responses so far. It's always good to have different points of view and opinions to consider.
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BarFly Regular user I hate digging holes for 121 Posts |
To the OP. Did you purchase the Pathways system? If so, what are your thoughts on it? I’m currently giving it consideration.
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Gennovense Regular user 113 Posts |
Aaron Fisher is a fantastic magician, however Pathways to Mastery is not that good. If I were you I'd pass.
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ScarneAce Regular user In a Galaxy far, far away... 150 Posts |
Yeah I bought it ages ago and found it frustrating getting through. Aaron loves the sound of his own voice and sometimes I found him to be quite condescending in the way he teaches. He also throws in way too many stories of meeting old magicians like he was in their inner circle when he would have just been a kid.
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countrymaven Inner circle 1426 Posts |
Scarneace. I don't like to admit. I was trying to be nicer. But you got it right. Not denying there is good material there.
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jaschris Loyal user 223 Posts |
I think Pathways to Mastery is excellent! It starts from the beginning and evolves into more advanced stuff as the episodes progress. What is good about it is that sleights and techniques have been SELECTED to teach in great detail. You do not get overwhelmed with a million different ways of achieving the same outcome as is the case with some other well known video series on card sleights and technique. There is certainly no rushing through the material. I really felt like I was being taught, not just shown.
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mrmagik68 Special user NYC 575 Posts |
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On Sep 10, 2021, ScarneAce wrote: Totally off topic here but, is Aaron the guy who does the TV voice overs for Skechers? Sure sounds like him. https://www.skechers.com/commercials/
Original Card Clinician
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