magic tricks Archives

Magic Books – Should Magicians Learn From a Magic Book?

I love nothing more than reading a magic book. I’ve always thought that Magic books have so much more value than magic DVDs. Obviously this is personal preference and a bold statement. But I stand by it and have often gotten into deep discussions with other magicians, arguing the pros and cons of Magic books when learning new magic tricks.

Let me explain my reasons. Of course, you may well disagree, but if anything, my views may at least make you think about the values of a magic book from a different angle.

In this modern age of DVD, YouTube, Instant Downloads, and streaming videos it is easier and quicker than ever before to learn magic. We now live in an instant world where all the information we hunger is readily available. This clearly has it’s positives, but it also has it’s negatives. Because we can obtain this information so easily, it’s true worth can be underestimated which in turn classes the information as easily discarded. Anything that is easily discarded has less worth. That brings us to a much slower way to learn magic: The magic book.

Magic books require time, and also reading a good magic book stimulates imagination. To read a magic book you need to be away from any distractions or interruptions. Within magic books are magic secrets. By that I mean magic tricks and routines that have been lost in time and lost in print. Are these points positives or negatives? I argue they are all positives.

Firstly, when you invest time in your magic book it gives you it’s value. If something is instant, it’s value may be less. Secondly, when you read your magic book works with your imagination to automatically create an image, therefore, when reading magic books in your mind you see yourself in the role of the magician. This helps build creativity and patter on so many levels.

Thirdly, if watching a DVD you can still be interrupted. People will sometimes ask you to do things. Essentially, if you are sat in front of TV, it is assumed you are relaxing and open to interruptions and conversation. When reading a magic book it will send out the signal do not disturb (in a nice way of course). Also, when reading magic books you can put music on quietly in the background, which has been proven to enhance learning.

Finally, there is the `hidden gem` magic tricks you will discover. To find gold you have to dig. Magic books are designed this way, and nothing compares to finding a trick that you immediately love. Its like flicking through CD’s in a huge music store and finding an old favorite. There is an old saying in magic:

“If you want to keep a secret, put it in writing.”

Put all these elements together and you have an excellent learning structure the magic book, plus when you learn particular magic tricks or routines you will have learn`t it with yourself in mind. This for me is the biggest advantage. When watching a DVD you are watching another person’s perspective on how to perform magic tricks, and subconsciously you will be learning the performers mannerisms. I have no desire to be a mimic. The magic should be about the magician as a performer, not the magic tricks. Magic books give you the option to be yourself.

Don’t get me wrong, DVDs and visual learning has it’s place, and everyone learns their magic tricks in different ways. These are purely my views and preferences. Obviously to explain a technical move or sleight in writing is restricted, and to see it taught makes the learning process quicker, but who is to say that the performer you are watching is performing the move exactly as it was intended? I hope my thoughts at least throw a new perspective on magic books and the benefits of reading and the learning process.

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How to Perform Magic – When Do You Know You’re Ready?

by Merchant of Magic Leave a Comment

Part of learning how to perform magic is understanding when your magic tricks will really be ready to perform to the public.

The process of learning tricks often follows this path:

You discover magic.
A decision is made to learn how to perform magic.
You pick your favourite magic tricks to learn.
Private practice takes place as you learn how do the magic trick.
You notice another magic trick that looks good.
You start practicing a second trick.
You find out about another trick.
Repeat..

There’s something missing!

When are you going to decide that you are ready to start performing the magic tricks that you are learning. Dominic Reyes talks about one of the most important steps in learning how to perform magic:

If you want to learn to become a magician, you don’t just need a good knowledge of magic techniques. Being a magician isn’t about how much you know about the subject. It’s about what you do with that knowledge.

To really understand how to perform magic, you need experience of performing. Hours of private practice will only help you to a point. You need much more than that. It’s vital that you go out and show your magic to people. Magic is a performing art. The skill of how to perform magic, that you need to develop is very hard to learn in private. To really learn how to perform magic, you have to gain an understanding of the social dynamics, timing and pace of your magic tricks, and that needs to be done through performance.

Questions to you:

How long did you spend practicing your magic tricks before you started showing them to people other than your family and friends?

Do you think you could have started sooner?

If you are still practicing in private, when will you make the decision to start showing people your magic?

What’s stopping you from showing your magic tricks to people?

Share your answers in the comments section below:

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Magic Tricks for Kids Vs. Magic Sets for Kids – Buyers Guide and Reviews

by Merchant of Magic 1 Comment

Choosing the right magic tricks for kids can be a real challenge. The easy option should simply be to go for magic sets for kids rather than individual magic tricks. However, even this option can bring you face to face with a wide range of magic tricks to choose from. We will take a look at some of the best magic sets available, as well as individual magic books, magic DVD’s, and stand alone magic tricks for kids, so you have all the different choices laid out for you. But first, let’s look at the goals to aim for when choosing the right magic tricks.

Easy to follow instructions:
Ideally magic tricks should have an instructional DVD included. Magic DVD’s aren’t essential, as long as the magic tricks instructions are clear with lots of illustrations, but they do help. You can always sit down with your child and work through the method together. It’s a bonding experience you can share together.

A simple, clear and easy to understand presentation and premise:
Magic tricks for kids of a younger age, should have a simple easy to follow ‘story line’. Multi-phase magic tricks tend to have a lot of stages, so keeping the method simple, means your child can focus on his or her magic presentation and drama skills.

Clear age suitability ratings:
Magic sets will generally have an age range advertised. However, individual magic tricks, magic books and magic DVD’s may not. If in doubt, ask the magic dealer. Good magic dealers will be happy to tell you if particular magic tricks or magic sets would be suitable for your child’s age.

Safety tested parts for small children:
If you are choosing magic tricks for kids under 3, it’s very important that you check the props have been safety tested and don’t have very small parts that could be a choking hazard. Many magic sets are produced outside of the EU and imported into the country. Make sure you check with the magic dealer that the magic tricks have been rated and certified.

Transferable magic skills:
Some magic tricks for beginners are self working, others will require your child to learn basic sleight of hand techniques. When choosing magic tricks for kids, try to select those that will teach the core techniques of magic and misdirection. Totally self working magic tricks are fine, but don’t develop your kids skills in magic. Good magic sets will contain a mixture of self working tricks and those that will require more work. Magic tricks such as The Cups and Balls are easy to follow and learn, but continue to develop as your child becomes more experienced. The best magic tricks for kids are those that can be simple or complex depending on how technical the magician wants to be with the props.

Magic sets for kids Vs. Individual magic tricks for kids

Going for magic sets gives you a wide range of magic tricks to choose from, but you have little or no choice as to the magic tricks included in the magic sets. Some tricks will be great, and other just ‘fillers’. Magic sets tend to include a lot of small plastic magic props that older children will find childish.

Individual magic tricks allows you to pick exactly the magic tricks your child will learn, but requires more guidance from the magic dealer to pick appropriate items. It can also be much more expensive, as magic sets tend to give you a lot more tricks for the money.

We generally recommend a magic set for kids up to age 9. Older children may be better suited to individual magic books, magic tricks and instructional magic DVD’s.