Close up magic is a fascinating art form that has captivated audiences for centuries. Unlike stage magic, close up magic involves performing tricks and illusions in an intimate setting, usually right in front of the spectators. This type of magic requires incredible skill and precision, as the magician must work with smaller props and be able to perform tricks without the aid of elaborate stage setups. If you have an interest in mastering the art of close up magic, it is essential to receive proper training. While some individuals may have a natural talent for performing magic tricks, the majority of magicians require extensive practice and guidance to excel in this art form. One of the most important aspects of close up magic training is learning basic sleight of hand techniques.
I am happy to teach socially distanced lessons in your home or garden. However, what lockdown has taught us is that almost anything’s possible in the virtual world. And magic lessons are no exception. I’m also happy to teach via video link which, of course, means that you don’t have to be local(ish) to me. So, wherever you are, you’ll be able to take advantage of my skills as a world-class magician and an experienced teacher of magic. After that, how much practice you do is up to you, but as a rule of thumb, the more practice you do, the more likely it is that you’ll master a trick well enough to make it look effortless.
If you enjoy your magic lesson and want to continue, we can arrange a block of lessons to help you master the initial tricks and go on to learn many more. If you want to have a look at the magic I do, take a look at my videos on my YouTube channel, and see for yourself the sort of tricks you might be able to learn.
One of the most important aspects of close up magic training is learning basic sleight of hand techniques. Sleight of hand involves the skillful manipulation of objects, such as cards or coins, to create the illusion of magic. This technique requires hours of practice and a keen eye for detail.
Train Tracking By Atlas Brookings
If I had to list my top 5 mentalism releases of 2014 then Train Tracking by Atlas Brookings would certainly be in there and very close to the top.
Train Tracking, for anyone who hasn’t heard of it, is a method of being able to reveal a spectator’s thought of word. This can be ANY word, and the word is NEVER written down. It’s about as close to real mindreading as I think you can probably get.
The method for Train Training is printed inside a nicely produced hardbacked book which runs to 175 pages. The method is nothing short of genius but I do have to say that it’s not something you will be doing as soon as you have read the book. This is something that is going to take a lot of work to get right. But, if you put in the effort to learn it properly, you have something that very few other people will be able to do, that is completely unbelievable. Something that can be done at any time, any place with no props at all.
The book is broken down into sections, or tracks as they are referred to in the book. Atlas starts off by explaining how the idea came about, and how it developed into what it now is. This isn’t something that Atlas simply thought of in the middle of the night. This is something that has taken years to develop. Some of the early examples explained are not that difficult to do and are actually very good in themselves. It is advised that each section be read, and learned thoroughly before moving onto the next.
As you progress through the book you learn techniques which help you build up the thought of word, through a series of seemingly innocent questions. The first couple of chapters start of relatively easy, but It does get progressively harder as the the book goes on. I have read the book several times now and I have the first couple of chapters down. I am still working of the final puzzle that completes the method though. I am just about to start reading it again from the beginning. At the end of each section there are diagrams which will help you visually see how each process works. These at first do look a bit complicated but once you have studied them for a while you soon see how they work, and they are actually a real help. A I read each section I found myself smiling when the methods were revealed
As a bonus, at the back of the book, Atlas has included his ‘Wish You Were Here’ routine which is a holiday prediction type effect that is brilliant. The video clip at the bottom is of Steve Haresign (who printed Train Tracking for Atlas) performing own his version of it. It really is a brilliant routine and worth a read.
One thing I really admire about Atlas is that he didn’t print thousands of copies of the book and sell them cheaply. He limited the numbers printed and set the price so only people really interested in it would buy it. If Atlas didn’t know the person who wanted to buy a copy he would find out about them and if he felt that Train Tracking wasn’t for them then he would not sell them a copy. These are the actions of someone who really values his magic.
It is always difficult trying to review and explain something without giving away too much of the method. All I can say is, that if you are lucky enough to have been able to get hold of a copy of this and you are willing to put in the effort it deserves then you will have a real miracle in your arsenal. This is a book to read, absorb and keep in your magic library for ever!
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
The best way of starting out is to take magic lessons. If you want to try it out or give a lesson to someone as a gift, you can hire me for 1-2 hours to teach you a few classic magic tricks using cards, coins, ropes and other objects you might have laying around. You could, of course, find a pre-recorded video tutorial and struggle to master things on your own, but learning is far more effective with a tutor on hand to show you the ropes and, crucially, to help you when things go a bit (or a lot) wrong.
By mastering sleight of hand, magicians can perform incredible tricks that seem impossible to the average observer. In addition to sleight of hand techniques, close up magicians must also have a strong understanding of misdirection and audience management. Misdirection is the art of diverting the spectator's attention away from the secret actions or props involved in a trick. Magicians use various techniques, such as verbal distractions or subtle hand movements, to ensure that the audience does not catch on to the secret behind their illusions. Audience management is another crucial skill that all close up magicians must develop. It involves creating a comfortable and engaging atmosphere for the spectators, as well as knowing how to interact with different types of audiences. Magicians must be able to establish rapport with their spectators and build trust so that they can perform their tricks effectively. To train in close up magic techniques, aspiring magicians can take advantage of various resources and learning opportunities. There are numerous online tutorials and instructional videos available that can teach the basics of close up magic. These resources provide step-by-step instructions and demonstrations on how to perform different tricks and techniques. Additionally, attending magic workshops or masterclasses can provide aspiring magicians with hands-on training and feedback from experienced professionals. These workshops often include demonstrations, practice sessions, and opportunities to learn from renowned magicians in a group setting. Lastly, consistent practice is vital for anyone looking to master close up magic. Magic tricks and techniques require muscle memory and fine motor skills, which can only be developed through consistent practice and repetition. Whether it's practicing in front of a mirror, performing for friends and family, or participating in magic clubs or competitions, continuous practice is essential for honing one's skills in close up magic. In conclusion, close up magic is a captivating art form that requires extensive training and practice. From mastering sleight of hand techniques to honing skills in misdirection and audience management, aspiring magicians must invest time and effort into perfecting their craft. With the right training and dedication, anyone can become a skilled close up magician capable of astounding and entertaining audiences with their illusions..
Reviews for "Close-Up Magic: The New Frontier of Magical Entertainment"
1. Sarah - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really excited to learn some close-up magic techniques, but this tutorial was a huge disappointment. The instructions were unclear and poorly explained, making it impossible to understand how to execute even the simplest tricks. The production quality was also lacking, with blurry and shaky camera work that made it difficult to see and follow along. Overall, I would not recommend this tutorial to anyone looking to learn close-up magic.
2. Mike - ★★☆☆☆
I found this tutorial on close-up magic techniques to be quite underwhelming. The instructor seemed inexperienced and lacked the ability to effectively communicate the tricks and techniques. Many of the tricks taught were also rather basic and unimpressive. I was expecting to learn some advanced sleight of hand and mind-boggling tricks, but instead, I was left feeling disappointed and unimpressed. Save your money and look for a different tutorial if you want to learn close-up magic properly.
3. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Train in close up magic techniques," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The tutorial lacked organization and structure, making it difficult to follow the progression of skills. The instructor also seemed unenthusiastic and monotone, which made the whole learning experience quite dull. I was hoping for more engaging and interactive instruction, but instead, I felt like I was just watching a boring lecture. There are much better resources out there for learning close-up magic.