talkmagic.co.uk

So ok I did a search but I couldn't find the answer simply hence why I titled this the way I did.

There is a magic shop within 40 miles of me that apparently has quite a few lectures from various professional magicians.

What I can't tell is when its appropriate to go to or what even they will cover.

For example they have names and does that mean they are lecturing on a trick by the same name? or does it mean they are lecturing on something else?

Also what skill level should you be? Will a pathetic noob be welcome? Get value? Slow the whole thing down cause its for professional magicians?

I figured it would be wise to ask rather than pop the money and show up and be disappointed and or upset people.

You people are too patient
--Infy

Infinite wrote:
You people are too patient
--Infy

Or are we.

Ok, the big assumption most shop keeps make is that anyone that's "into" magic will recognize the names of those doing a lecture either because of reading about them in a magazine or by way of a club such as the IBM or SAM, etc.

If the shop keep knows you and your background he may be able to suggest which lectures would be best for you based on your present skill level and willingness to do the work... at least that's how it was back in the good ole days, I've been a bit disappointed by shops over the past ten years or so, when it comes to their actually helping the newbie.

Most lectures are going to deal with close-up type bits with Card Tricks topping the list... in fact most magic clubs will not book a speaker for a return lecture if they don't teach at least one or two "good" card tricks... and I so wish that was must my exaggerating but I've seen them get mad at Eugene Burger for not doing any card tricks in his talks.

As you move deeper into things you will get to where you kind of know the who's who in your region/country and thus, you would have a better idea as to if or not a lecture would be of benefit to you. HOWEVER, if and when you get the chance to see one of the old timers that seems to have one foot in the grave DO SO! You never know when they won't be around any longer and you will kick yourself for the rest of your life for missing out on such opportunities. I know I do and I've seen many of the greats over the years but likewise, missed out on a few, like John Calvert

Don't over think it all, you'll find it all smoothing itself with time. But you may want to subscribe to one or two of the big Magic Magazines like MAGIC or Genii or simply catch the on line monthlies like VISIONS

Craig have I mentioned lately that I love you?

Its strictly platonic I assure you.

Thank you for the insightful feedback as always.

Here is the other thing to keep in mind. Lectures are usually horrible places to learn magic. They are a horrible teaching environment. Magicians flock to them because it is a great chance to see performers you would probably never see, (and that is because a great many perform just for other magicians usually on a lecture or convention tour). Also it is a wonderful opportunity for a magician to sell stuff. Lecture notes are stupidly expensive they are notes and usually poorly written, but man they turn over a great profit.

The best thing to take from a lecture is not the effects, chances are you won't do them anyway, but learn about style take in the presentation tips and see how the thought process works of an experienced magician.

If you are going to a lecture to learn tricks, I consider myself lucky if I see part of a move or a fleeting comment that will inspire me to think of an old effect in a new way.

I usually buy the lecture notes, if the lecture was of any worth, as i can categorically state that i will not remember, anything from a lecture.

The content of the lecture pretty much depends on the lecturer. Some do nothing but go through tricks and teach you the method, others don't tip the method to a single trick

All levels will be welcome, you'll almost certainly get something out of it, whether it's a new trick (or a new idea for an old trick) or some performance tips

Oh, and bring a notepad

Infinite: First do not in the early and mid stages of learning Magic restrict yourself to one kind of lecture on one particular aspect of magic.
You may just do Close Up, then go to children's magic lectures, stage magic lectures etc. as well etc. Make yourself familar with ALL the branches of Magic. There is something to be learnt from all of them. And you will become a better magician all round.

bmat has the right idea. Seeing different performers working in different styles will teach you about presentation & showmanship. AND if they are awful you will know How NOT to do it.

Lyndon also has a great point. Very few magicians can remember things seen in a lecture except the very broad basics. Lecture notes, either written by you on the spot, or bought are essential.
2 years ago , one of our magicians was totally knocked out by a card & bill routine that Geoffrey Durham performed How is it done? his continual cry.
I reminded him that I had performed and explained it only the PREVIOUS year in my Annual lecture. And it was a requested repeat item which i had used in a previous lecture, 2 years before that. The magician in question was at both of my lectures!!!!!

Finally: you can surf the net for details of lecturers. Most, who lecture a lot are on it.
In Ca, there are several IBM Rings. Join one of those. Or just join the IBM and get The Linking Ring every month. There are pages and pages of Ring reports in the back of the magazine. You will find MOST lectures are reviewed in these reports.

Allen Tipton