In my magic courses and magic shows, I'm often asked how parents can foster their child's interest in magic.
Below are a few important steps to help to your kids learn how to do magic tricks and explore the Art of Magic.
1.Encourage your children to learn how to do magic tricks through the local library.
You don't need to buy the latest magic set or stacks of DVDs on sleight of hand to learn how to do magic. Libraries have a ton of resources on magic, magic history, juggling, and magic specifically for kids. It doesn't hurt that all this knowledge is FREE! A good beginner's book in magic will provide the initial foundation for your child to learn several magic tricks and help assess their interest in learning more about the Art of Magic.
2. Remind them to practice both the "moves" and the "story" when learning the magic trick. Magicians refer to their "story" as patter. Patter is the words used in the presentation of the magic trick. Kids (and adults) new to magic often focus purely on the "moves" rather than the presentation. Reminding the performer to focus on the story as well as the moves will only help your son or daughter become more proficient in their performance. Plus their magic trick will be more entertaining!
3. Visit your local magic shop
The library has a lot of resources, but a magic shop is often the defacto hot spot for any budding performer. Reputable magic shops are staffed with experienced prestidigitators that can help your child learn how to do magic. Watch out for any magic dealer who will sell an expensive magic prop without considering the skill of the performer. When purchasing magic, my recommendation is to invest in books before DVDs. Books have a lot of material that can be referred to time and time again. DVDs are good too however, the latest trend in magic is to release one trick per DVD. You want to ensure you get the most magic for your investment. The DVD will also show how the effect will be presented as well as the "secret". Both books and DVDs are useful learning tools. I prefer these to the standard tricks you find in the glass booths...but those are fun too! Magic shops will sometime host magic nights where local magicians get together and have a "jam session" demonstrating their latest magical pursuit.
4. Join a local magic assembly, ring, or group.
If you search http://www.magicsam.com or http://www.magician.org, you can find a local Assembly or Ring comprised of local magicians in your metropolitan area. Magic meetings are a fun place to network with other hobbyists, professionals, and newbies interested in the Art of Magic. Most magic organizations are welcoming of new members and are willing to share the secrets of their trade. However, the student must be willing to learn and practice rather than expect all the secrets to be revealed.
5. Attend a magic convention
Magic conventions are another excellent way to meet other magicians, see different magic acts, meet different magic vendors, and purchase new magic. Most conventions are held in a hotel where magicians provide lectures, advice, perform parlor sized shows, and even perform full scale theater shows. Every night magicians gather in the lobby and session with each other. It is another easy way to make new friends and learn a few new tricks of the trade.
I hope you found these tips helpful in your child's pursuit of learning how to do magic.
In addition to his day job as an IT manager, Andy Makar is a freelance writer, instructor and a life-long Magic enthusiast. Please visit Kapoof for more information on how to do magic tricks and learn more about the Art of Magic! He can be reached at andy@kapoof.com
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