How To Get Started In Magic
When I was 8 years old, I traveled back to Luverne, Minnesota to visit my grandparents on the farm for a week.
After helping with the cows, feeding the ducks, jumping around in the corn crib, we would hang out on the porch.
One evening my Uncle Leroy was visiting and asked me if I wanted to see a card trick.
I readily accepted.
During the trick I was so focused, so observant, that when he produced my card my heart literally jumped.
I was hooked.
It wasn't, however, a real part of my life until December when I received my first magic kit.
It wasn't a cheap one either.
Everything in it was quality, and wasn't made of "red plastic".
From that time on, my quest from a little kid learning magic to producing my first stage show with various magical acts had many twists and turns.
Which is why I hope this article will help sort out some of the proper steps and proper sequences to starting a fun hobby/career in magic.
Step One: Start easy.
Learn very basic tricks.
Card tricks and coin tricks.
The French Drop is a classic coin manipulation every magician knows and still uses.
Step Two: Learn the language.
A lot of magic is based on buying a trick and then reading step by step instructions on what to do (the technical part) and what to say (patter).
The sooner you learn the magicians glossary, the better.
Step Three: The Tarbell Course in Magic.
Get it.
Put it on your shelf.
It is your complete encyclopedia of magic (David Copperfield even wrote in one of them!) Step Four: Props, Practice and Patients.
As you get better, your techniques and dexterity will improve.
Don't worry about dropping the coins or cards as you learn flourishes that enhance your showmanship.
Step Five: Learn "The10 Principles of Magic".
This should actually be Step One, but you really don't know how to apply all the principles until you've been at it awhile.
Still, it should be one of your well read "arsenals" that will keep you ahead of your audience.
It basically enhances your magic performance, much like MSG does to food, only without the headaches.
You'll find that in your lifetime as a magician you'll purchase DVD's, books & seminars.
You'll join a local magic group, buy large plastic containers to hold all your props.
But all in all, it is the big buy-eye looks of the little kids, and the big smiles you get that really keep you going AND keeps magic alive for the next generation.
After helping with the cows, feeding the ducks, jumping around in the corn crib, we would hang out on the porch.
One evening my Uncle Leroy was visiting and asked me if I wanted to see a card trick.
I readily accepted.
During the trick I was so focused, so observant, that when he produced my card my heart literally jumped.
I was hooked.
It wasn't, however, a real part of my life until December when I received my first magic kit.
It wasn't a cheap one either.
Everything in it was quality, and wasn't made of "red plastic".
From that time on, my quest from a little kid learning magic to producing my first stage show with various magical acts had many twists and turns.
Which is why I hope this article will help sort out some of the proper steps and proper sequences to starting a fun hobby/career in magic.
Step One: Start easy.
Learn very basic tricks.
Card tricks and coin tricks.
The French Drop is a classic coin manipulation every magician knows and still uses.
Step Two: Learn the language.
A lot of magic is based on buying a trick and then reading step by step instructions on what to do (the technical part) and what to say (patter).
The sooner you learn the magicians glossary, the better.
Step Three: The Tarbell Course in Magic.
Get it.
Put it on your shelf.
It is your complete encyclopedia of magic (David Copperfield even wrote in one of them!) Step Four: Props, Practice and Patients.
As you get better, your techniques and dexterity will improve.
Don't worry about dropping the coins or cards as you learn flourishes that enhance your showmanship.
Step Five: Learn "The10 Principles of Magic".
This should actually be Step One, but you really don't know how to apply all the principles until you've been at it awhile.
Still, it should be one of your well read "arsenals" that will keep you ahead of your audience.
It basically enhances your magic performance, much like MSG does to food, only without the headaches.
You'll find that in your lifetime as a magician you'll purchase DVD's, books & seminars.
You'll join a local magic group, buy large plastic containers to hold all your props.
But all in all, it is the big buy-eye looks of the little kids, and the big smiles you get that really keep you going AND keeps magic alive for the next generation.
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