One of the questions I am most frequently asked is “where do you learn magic?” After all, magicians never reveal their secrets, right?
In our modern world, there is a clear path to just about any career. Typically these involve further or higher education. It’s no surprise, then, that I am frequently asked if there are schools where you can learn magic. Well, yes and no; more on that in a moment.
Historically magic has been (and still is) a ‘pursuit’ in the truest sense of the word. The knowledge must be actively sought. Novice magicians would seek out books, mentors, and apprenticeships and the like. Most magicians are largely self-taught (although this does not necessarily mean they are not college-educated, but that their skills in legerdemain were independently acquired.) For the most successful magicians, magic is something between a passion and an obsession.
Today, in the age of information, it is easier to begin this journey. When I was growing up, there was no google, no other magicians within a several hundred mile radius; just a library. 100 years ago, that library would be considered a luxury to budding magicians. But even with technology–dvd’s, instant downloads etc–the ‘old ways’ are still important for furthering one’s magical education; the new trends are simply too ‘one dimensional’.
Magic Schools
Regarding magic ‘schools’ there is no equivalent to the iconic ‘clown college’ but there are ‘teachers’ ranging from world-class to novelty-only.
On the low-end of the spectrum, a magic ‘class’ is an upsell or another income stream for a local magician, who will sell you a beginners prop and explain it’s workings and, effectively, read the instructions to you.Great for kids and people who want to learn a trick or two.
Somewhere in the middle, there are local magicians who are somewhat accomplished and knowledgeable who actually think about what they’re teaching and try to give a more complete education. They also won’t accept just any student.
On the top end, you can study with the masters; the intelligentsia of the magic community. World class magicians who have traveled the world and are recognized as the leading thinkers, innovators and artists in the community. The cost can range from several hundred dollars for group classes to several thousand for personal instruction. These top Magicians will often consult for TV magician like Criss Angel, and other ‘big names’ in magic.
I am honored to count some of these magicians as my friends and mentors. Every year or so, I make a ‘pilgrimage’ to Las Vegas for the privilege of learning from the likes of Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. As a result my show is more polished and I am a little wiser after they share their advice and wisdom earned from decades of study and thousands of performances world wide.
