The Best Ways to Learn Magic
There's no such thing as a degree in Magic Performance.
You can go to college for a wide variety of ridiculous (and mostly useless) degrees, but so far, no University or Performing Arts college has yet to offer a bachelors degree in Magical Arts.
So, magicians throughout the ages have had to find other ways to learn their art. As much of magic is tied up in its secrets, apprenticeships were the norm. Some traveled the countryside learning by doing. In our more enlightened age, we have access to other magicians' wisdom through books and now videos. In fact, the resources are so numerous, one can become confused about which method is the best. But before you give up, overwhelmed with the possibilities, it should be noted that ultimately, learning the art of magic comes down to two general methods: self-study, or tutelage.
Self-study
One of the most obvious ways to learn anything is via a book on the subject. Long before video was a viable option in self-instruction, people used the written word (and in the case of learning magic, some good illustrations) to learn and master their art. Harlan Tarbell's Course in Magic is the prime example of that, and is still one of the most valued references of magicians worldwide. Originally, this was sold lesson by lesson as a correspondence course for aspiring magicians, marketed with the line: "Magic, Legerdemain, Prestidigitation, Successfully Mastered by Mail!"
One of the nicest aspects of learning from books is in the pacing. It's much easier to study a trick or routine when you can take it step by step, moment by moment without having to hit "rewind." Studying magic from books also allows you to develop your own style more readily than some more modern methods such as video where you may be tempted (even subconsciously) to mimic the on-screen performer. Finally, books are much better geared for study than other media. Though the real art of study has much been lost today, really taking the words of a book piece by piece and analyzing them at all possible angles is going to make you an amazing magician - if you are that disciplined.
Besides, books and magic have a storied literary history. Remember all those fictional wizards and mages poring over their tomes in search of the valued elixir that will save the day? It's kind of a shame that our modern-day magic book publishers don't bind their books with iron hinges and skeleton-key locks!
Despite the advantages of books, some of us naturally gravitate towards other methods of instruction. And thus, magicians began producing instructional videos of their routines a couple of decades ago.
Video instruction brings to the table a specificity that can not be matched by book study. You may study a move in a series of diagrams for days and not begin to understand it, but all it may take is watching the master do the same move a series of times and you comprehend it almost immediately. The advantage video gives you here is undeniable. Also, some performers who were reluctant to invest the time in writing a book have resorted to producing videos.
Tutelage
AS mentioned earlier, in days of old, a magician might take on an apprentice. This was not a terribly glamorous life as said apprentice, at least in the early years, amounted to little more than the magician's roadie. Still, several magicians' apprentices rose from the shadow of their mentors to become bigger successes than their old masters.
Unfortunately, perhaps, the days of apprenticeships are long past and aspiring magicians who wish to learn the art from other magicians must opt for some sort of class or private lesson.
In some larger cities, you'll find magic organizations and guilds, some of which offer an occasional masters' class. But as this is fairly inconsistent, by far, the best way to learn is via lessons from another more experienced magician. Now this is probably not a service you'll find in your phone directory, but hang out at the clubs and guilds and you'll eventually run into someone willing to tutor you.
It won't be cheap, but you'll find yourself learning at a much faster pace and having a deeper understanding than you likely would from self-study.
Of course, no matter what method you choose to study magic, it's all worthless if you don't actually try to apply it through practice - and eventually - performance. So remember that you're learning an art, and there are no real shortcuts to it. Practice hard and perhaps someday you can take your place on the stage (or on the streets!) as one of the great magicians of your age.
