"How to Become a Close-Up Magician"
So you have just witnessed some amazing piece of magic that happened right before your eyes, all done using no camera tricks. You may have seen this performed by a magician at a trade show, wedding event or a celebratory party. You are now thinking "I'd like to be able to do that" Using the skills of a close-up magician can certainly win you new friends and acquaintances. Close-up magic is certainly a hit with the ladies and could be used to get you that date you have been after. But wait a minute, how do you learn to be a close-up magician?
Where to Begin
Don't make your first port of call YouTube! 99.9% of what you will see on YouTube will be rank amateurs with no in-depth knowledge or performing experience. Having been practicing close-up magic myself for the past 35 years my best advice for you would be to go to the library or head over to Amazon for a couple or classic titles on the subject. The books that you should definitely begin with are classics:
The above titles are a must and will be all you need for your first informative years at practicing sleight-of-hand. In addition to these titles, you may want to also consider:
These titles may only be available through your local magic dealer most of whom might have an internet presence.
The Skills Required
Learning the necessary sleight-of-hand is only the first step on the ladder to becoming a competent performer. There are many other skills required that must be learned in order to become a very good 'performer'. Notice the emphasis is on the word 'performer' it is simply not enough just to learn how to do the mechanics of a magic trick. You could possibly teach a monkey how to do that, but learning how to perform your magical effects can take a lifetime. One also has to have knowledge, skills and experience of the following topics:
A master and understanding of these skills will not come overnight but will be a life-long learning process. This is true if you are to be a 'thinking performer' as defined by a performer who is constantly learning through self criticism and evaluation.
Where To Go From Here?
Please, please, please do not begin by learning a few magic tricks and the in just a few months have business cards printed and a website online proclaiming your skills as a talented performer! I have seen this all too often and these amateurs' are doing damage to what should be a beautiful and artistic profession. It's best to start performing for friends and family at any and every opportunity you can get. Perform for your work colleagues and don't be afraid at making mistakes. If these people are your true friends they will offer you supportive advice, some of which you can take on board and some of which you might decide to ignore!
There is simple no substitute for experience gained steadily over time by performing in a variety of situations. My personal advice would be to perform steadily over a 5 year period before you begin performing for paying guests. Â Â Â Â
Where to Begin
Don't make your first port of call YouTube! 99.9% of what you will see on YouTube will be rank amateurs with no in-depth knowledge or performing experience. Having been practicing close-up magic myself for the past 35 years my best advice for you would be to go to the library or head over to Amazon for a couple or classic titles on the subject. The books that you should definitely begin with are classics:
- The Royal Road to Card Magic
- Expert Card Technique
- Modern Coin Magic
The above titles are a must and will be all you need for your first informative years at practicing sleight-of-hand. In addition to these titles, you may want to also consider:
- The Card College – by Roberto Giobbi
- The Tarbell Course
- The 13 steps to Mentalism
These titles may only be available through your local magic dealer most of whom might have an internet presence.
The Skills Required
Learning the necessary sleight-of-hand is only the first step on the ladder to becoming a competent performer. There are many other skills required that must be learned in order to become a very good 'performer'. Notice the emphasis is on the word 'performer' it is simply not enough just to learn how to do the mechanics of a magic trick. You could possibly teach a monkey how to do that, but learning how to perform your magical effects can take a lifetime. One also has to have knowledge, skills and experience of the following topics:
- Social Psychology
- Body Language
- Communication Skills
- Timing
- Patter/Presentation
- Social Interaction
A master and understanding of these skills will not come overnight but will be a life-long learning process. This is true if you are to be a 'thinking performer' as defined by a performer who is constantly learning through self criticism and evaluation.
Where To Go From Here?
Please, please, please do not begin by learning a few magic tricks and the in just a few months have business cards printed and a website online proclaiming your skills as a talented performer! I have seen this all too often and these amateurs' are doing damage to what should be a beautiful and artistic profession. It's best to start performing for friends and family at any and every opportunity you can get. Perform for your work colleagues and don't be afraid at making mistakes. If these people are your true friends they will offer you supportive advice, some of which you can take on board and some of which you might decide to ignore!
There is simple no substitute for experience gained steadily over time by performing in a variety of situations. My personal advice would be to perform steadily over a 5 year period before you begin performing for paying guests. Â Â Â Â
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