Dear Friend,

When I was coming up in the magic biz, I wished beyond anything else that there was a magic college available. But unfortunately, there just wasn't.

Sure there were conventions, lectures, and club meetings, but all that got me was a bunch of tricks that I had to sort through on my own. There was no structure, no performance technique, and nobody taking me by the hand to show me the ropes.

I knew plenty of tricks! Instead, what I really wanted to learn, was how to be a magician.

I looked everywhere for help. The guys at the local magic club never performed for real people...it was only a hobby to them.

The guys at the magic shop? They just wanted to sell me more tricks!

I even called several professional magicians in my area and asked for lessons, advice, ANYTHING. They flat-out refused. They told me they didn't want to train their next competitor.

Magicians are very secretive, it's hard to learn our art the RIGHT way.

It's a magician's nature to keep secrets. So where does that leave someone like you, who is willing to LEARN?

YouTube?

Sure you can go on YouTube and other web sites that reveal secrets, but they don't really teach you how to perform the tricks. Besides, if EVERYONE has access to YouTube, then how will you stand out? One person even said this to me about YouTube.com: "All they have is wannabe magicians showing other wannabe magicians the same wannabe tricks that every other wannabe magician is doing."

Of course, not ALL free magic videos are bad, but if you learn magic ONLY by watching free videos on the Internet, your magic will certainly be lacking.

Magic Shops?

Or maybe you could go to Ellusionist, Penguin, or any other magic shop and buy more tricks. But let's face it...More tricks do not make you a better magician. Anyone who tells you that is probably the one trying to sell you more tricks.

Magic Trainings?

Then there are the "Master Classes" and similar short-term training sessions. Great idea and a great experience for those who go through them, but a few problems. First is the price. You have to fly there, stay at a hotel for a few nights, PLUS pay the high fee to attend. That adds up. Besides, how much can you really learn in just a few days?

Books? DVDs?

Well, I'm a big fan of reading magic books, and DVDs can be very beneficial, but it lacks one-on-one interaction. The books can't answer your questions, and DVDs can't reach through the screen and make sure you're performing a move correctly.

Trial and Error?

So up until now, the only way to learn how to be a magician - to REALLY learn - was by LOADS of  trial and error (usually, more error than anything else!)

"Just get out there and perform for people and learn from your mistakes", and "Experience is the best teacher", was some of the advice that I received. Let me tell you, to a young aspiring magician that wasn't very comforting.

Many would-be performers get a healthy dose of "error" and give up magic altogether. What a shame.

MY VISION: A Magic School That I Would Actually Want To Attend

Here's my dream...

• A Magic School that teaches great tricks and techniques

Magic tricks, sleights, and techniques ARE a big part of becoming a magician. Certainly not the only part, but a big one. My school would teach excellent material appropriate to the skill level of the class. Above and beyond anything you could find on the Internet for free.

• A Magic School you can attend online from anywhere in the world

This has to be accessible to anyone who is serious about magic. The only way to do this is by using the Internet. Anyone with Internet access (even dial-up) should be able to attend from the comfort of their own home.

• A Magic School that is affordable

Not cheap, but affordable. If it's too cheap, then we'd run into the same problems that YouTube has. If it's too expensive, then too many serious magicians would miss out on this great opportunity simply because of price.

• A Magic School with expert teachers who are willing and able to share what they know

This is huge for me. There will be no professors who can't teach or who don't want to share their "secrets". This school will be a free-sharing place where knowledge is earned by the student...not withheld by the teacher.

• A Magic School that is open to anyone who is serious

Man or woman, boy or girl, regardless of age, race, creed, religion, or any other factor. If you want to learn magic, then this will be the place for you. Period.

• A Magic School that gives personal one-on-one attention

Earlier, I mentioned DVDs as a way some magicians learn magic. While it's good to have someone show you what to do, they can't reach through the screen and help you if you make a mistake. My magic school would allow students to submit videos of themselves for critique. Perhaps a live web cam chat feature that would allow INSTANT feedback from teachers and other students.

• A Magic School that is tailored to fit your needs

My magic school would teach beginners beginner material and it would teach experts expert material. It only makes sense. I don't want a full-time professional magician in the same class as a 10 year-old beginner. One of them would be left in the dust and the other would be bored. That's not good for anyone.

• A Magic School where magicians can meet and encourage one another

No "downers" allowed here. YES it is okay to critique a performance, but rudeness, vulgarity, and outright cruelty will not be tolerated. This is a friendly environment and we're here to encourage one another, not drag each other down.

• A Magic School where students can choose their own curriculum

Want to learn about cards? Major in cards. Want to learn coins, ropes, street magic, stage magic, children's magic, or something else? Want to do corporate shows, cruise ships, kid shows, restaurant magic, or something else? GREAT! My school would let you pay for just the classes you want to attend, and not make you pay for anything that you don't want to attend.

• A Magic School where classes mean something and hard work is rewarded

Not only will you learn great material and meet other like-minded magicians, but you'll also be working toward your M.A.G.I.C. Degree. Just like anything else, the more you put into this, the more you'll get out of it.

• A Magic School that will prepare you for life as a magician

Whether you want to perform full-time, or just earn some extra money on the side, magic is a great business opportunity. My magic school would teach you how to take your knowledge of magic and run with it. After all, why would you learn magic at all if you never were to perform it for anyone?

Do You Share My Vision?

Are you frustrated with where you are right now as a magician? Would you like to attend a magic school like the one described above and improve your skill and knowledge at lightning-like speed? Would you be willing to put in the work that it takes to succeed? Are you ready to learn magic the RIGHT way?

If so, we're looking for you.

We've been hard at work putting together just such a resource for all magicians and it is almost ready. We need to know who's in and who's out.

So we're now accepting applications. It's free to apply, but classes will NOT be free to attend. Please keep that in mind when you apply.

APPLY NOW FOR FREE

Copyright ©2007 Magic Works All Rights Reserved.