Am I Too Old to Get Into Magic and How Should I Start?

I’m 36 and just wondering if I’m too old to get into magic? If not what sort of thing should I be practising, I would like to start up close street magic, misdirection card magic, that kind of thing. Not really sure where to start. Thank you – Craig

Hi Craig

You’re 100% not too old to get into magic my friend… I know a LOT of great card magicians that started to learn in their fifties or sixties once they had retired. You’re still a spring chicken… In fact, because most of the skill is in your presentation, it means your life experience works in your favour, and you will command more control and attention from your audience

Case in point. Paul Daniels was 39 when he got his big break. That gives you over 3 years of solid practice before it’s your turn… Plenty of time 🙂

Seriously though. Get out of your head about it.. Just learn great tricks one at a time and have fun..

So, If you agree with me that you are NOT too old to get into magic, You too main approaches:

1)You can Focus on easy self-working methods and presenting them in an entertaining way

2) Tackle sleight of hand that that is going to require a lot of work to master the mechanics ON TOP of presenting the tricks in an entertaining way.

Either way is fine.. or perhaps you will do a little of both… It doesn’t matter!

The ONLY important result is that you have some magic that you can perform well that other people find entertaining to watch. Being caught up on the methods you use, is like not seeming the wood for the trees.. Magicians perform magic, rather than techniques.

Personally, I’d pick a few self working tricks to begin with. Forget about learning sleight of hand for a few months and just master two or three tricks that are very easy to do. Pick up a Svengali deck, or a Cap and Coin Monte set. Perhaps go for something like off world. Easy methods to get you going.. Then a few months later, add in a technique. The Elmsley count perhaps…

If you prefer to start a course of sleight of hand right away, maybe go for a structured learning system. I’d start with the sleight of hand beginners course here: https://www.magicshop.co.uk/sleight-of-hand-for-beginners-dvd-training-course

Or if you want to just dip your toe in, this DVD: https://www.magicshop.co.uk/born-to-perform-card-magic-by-oz-pearlman

The truth is that magic is a wonderful hobby for any age group, There’s something for everyone and the young have no real advantage over the old when it comes to entertaining people. If you want to go for it.. Begin now!

Best wishes

Dominic Reyes