How to do Magic Tricks

Advice and Support for Magicians

Magic Practice Like a Pro in Just a Few Minutes a Day

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Magic Practice 10 minutes a day

Daniel Q writes: 'I'm mainly struggling with finding the time to practice my magic tricks regularly enough.'

Hi Daniel,
I feel your pain my friend. There's never enough time in the day for practice, but it's SO important!
From working with hundreds of magicians over the years, I've found out a few things about how to schedule regular practice.

Little and often is best.

The magic secret is to practice in short bursts, over several weeks and  intervals between each practice session. The last thing you want to do  is 'burn out' so pacing yourself with a practice program you can maintain is much more likely to be stuck to than a massive full scale practice binge when you remember to do it.

In cognitive science there are two forms of learning:

  • Massed learning – when you practice and rehearse the material over a short space of time (cramming)
  • Spaced learning – Small bursts of practice with lengthy spaces between sessions to allow you to consolidate the material.


Massed learning is very hard to sustain over the long term, and daily life is full of over distractions and commitments. By spacing your practice, you  give your fingers a chance to rest, your mind  can mull over the  material you have studied, and you will be less distracted by all your  other tasks planned that day.


I tend to recommend two practice sessions per day. 10 minutes in the morning and 10 at night. Focusing on just one magic trick at a time. Start by drilling the mechanics of the trick a few times, then run through a whole performance.


That's it for the day. Repeat this for 21 days


After that first magic practice sequence, record yourself performing the trick and assess how you are progressing.
If  you have days when you can fit more in, go with it. But don't burn out!  Just make a commitment always to spare those two quick 10 minute practice sessions.


Everyone is busy! But it's pretty easy to find just 10 minutes in the morning and 10 at night, even if you  have to set your alarm clock a bit early during the 21 day period.


But, what's the best way actually to plan the work that I do in those practice sessions?
Well, here's some advice on practice practice from Noa Kageyama, Ph.D.

Best wishes and good luck with your magic practice.

Dominic Reyes

Should My Wife Judge My Magic Tricks?

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Magic tricks with your wife

Graham writes: 'My partner is my confidant in my magic. I practice with her, and she knows all… I was wondering if you could point me towards a magic trick that could still blow her mind. Then I would know I can fool anyone…'

Hi Graham, 

If your partner knows all, then I'd class her as a 'magician.' Don't spend too much time trying to fool other magicians. 

What 'fools' a magician is no measure of what will entertain someone who hasn't 'seen behind the curtain.'

It's wonderful that your partner is helping you with your practice, and you can take advantage of this as much as possible. However, I'd warn against judging the quality of your magic performance on her reactions. 

It would be time better spent to seek out a fresh audience. Volunteer to do an hour of magic at your local community centre, or at a rest home in your town. That will prove to yourself that you can fool anyone. Best of all, it’s at zero risk because you're an awesome guy and helping out in your community.

However, I'm aware that might not be the type of answer you wanted so..

If you want a magician fooler, go for Stand-Up Monte by Garret Thomas. The public loves that trick, whilst the ending fools the hell out of magicians that visit the magic shop 🙂

Hope this helps

Dominic Reyes

 

How Magicians Approach People – Best Answers

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Magicians Hive Mind

We asked hundreds of magicians this question: A beginner is worried about walking up to a table of guests to start performing. What piece of advice you give?

Here's some of the best answers that the magicians on The Merchant of Magic Facebook group gave:

Greg Craddock –  Start by doing gigs, where you know friends will be, and have a friend go with you too, start your routine on your friends,while performing to your friends, you'll notice others looking on, so you then move on to them, this will help get your confidence level up.

John O'Riordan –  Build rapport by taking an interest in the people around the table. Ask easy questions and do listen out for names and how they are reacting to you.I think it helps if you have nothing in your hands at the start. One startling effect as a start really helps and do not over stay your welcome but give them the opportunity to call you over for some more. Remember if they like you they will like your magic.

Curtis Ori-Orison –  Good evening everyone my name is ……….. and I'm part of the entertainment provided by ( name of place) would anybody like to see a little bit of magic………lets them know your employed by the establishment an not some stranger in of the street. Also saying a little bit of magic kinda lets them know its only gonna be a few minutes. Once u start you csn gauge what type of crowd they are and how long to perform for. Try not to approach a table with main courses ( personal preferance )……. that's just my too cents.

Joel Spaven –  Take some deep breaths and enjoy, every table is a different experience so learn at the same time but most of all have FUN!

Simon Caine –  I used to find it helpful to spot a table and then count to ten before approaching them, it gave me time to gather myself, but kept me focussed. Don't open straight away with a trick. Introduce yourself and ask them little about themselves. Think about how good salesmen work, they don't just immediately launch into their pitch, they first find some common ground and put you at ease. You need them to buy into you first, before they will enjoy your magic. Remember, you want them to remember how magical YOU are, not your props.

When you do start with a trick, make sure it's something you have done thousands of times, that you can do, patter and all, in your sleep. This way, it you can settle your nerves and get into that performance zone. For example, I have used the same opener for the last 7 years. If a table says no, thank them anyway and move along. Plenty more fish.

Graham Prigg –  Be confident in what you have learnt, Remember you are showing them something they have never seen before. Above all be yourself.

Sean Adams –  I've literally just come back from a gig and i was trying out a new opener that works really well…
I then literally walk up to the table, and just ask them a question "If i was to ask you to think of a playing cards whats the first card that comes to mind".  I just pull out the card they named and go into a quick high impact trick. Its only after that do I introduce who I am and settle into a more structure routine as I'm gettin to know everyone at the table. I guess really its all about finding the perfect opener for you and your style of performing and using that as a way of talking to people.

Nigel Carr – My advice. Don't walk up to a table. Get invited! It's good manners and very easy to do. 1. Have table mats printed introducing yourself with instructions to contact the waiter /waitress for a personal show. Or 2. Ask permission at the table before starting your show.