talkmagic.co.uk

Has anybody had any magic training with a magic tutor/coach? and what did they think about them? any recommendations?

my uncle a former pro and i thought it was great to have one to one tuition even though at times he was hard on me, in the style of a martial arts teacher in olden times.

Finding a "Mentor" is no easy thing, especially if you have yet to refine your field of focus i.e. chosen the specific area of magic you want to invest yourself into the most.

Are you planning on being a close-up worker? Comedy Magician? Childrens' Entertainer? An Escapist? Bizarrist? Mentalist? Psychic Entertainer?

... What's the field you are going to hold to and make the biggest investment into?

There is no right or wrong answer, only that you decide and stick with it for at least 3-5 years (preferably much longer). Once you make this decision and start not just learning all you can about that field of practice, but create your own solid act -- a routine that is stable, proven and more or less set in stone... once you do this a strange thing happens...

The Teacher Arrives!



When the Student is Ready, the Teacher Will Come!


In the mean time, taking some dance classes, courses in technical theater, voice & public speaking, make-up and even storytelling will help you go much further in seeing your dreams come true than rushing out to buy the newest piece O'junk everyone is talking about on the forum this month. Even taking a part-time job as a stage-hand, working the pitch-booths at the local carnival or swap-meet... anywhere and anything that gives you EXPERIENCE in front of the public and presenting a "thing".


Best of luck!

Sometimes you get lucky and find somebody willing to take you on. I guess you have to show promise and dedication. I'm lucky to have Michael Vincent, and I think he still does his paid tutorials too.

But when you decide to hire/go with one, do make sure you are not just learning moves, sleights & handlings.
Find one who will deal with:
Presentation
Routining
The Externals as; Dress, Organisation of Props, Personal care etc.Stage makeup if you are planning to work 'under' lights; a knowledge of lighting is very useful too.
Audience approach.
Your personal stagecraft & showmanship

Do not get swamped down in JUST tricks; remember all magicians verge on the obsessive regarding tricks.

Allen Tipton