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MaxfieldsMagic Inner circle Instead of practicing, I made 3009 Posts |
Thanks to all of the recommendations on this site, as well as the friendly yet persistent nagging of Denny Haney, I finally took the plunge and purchased the complete Tarbell Course in Magic during a recent sale. I'd like to read the entire collection closely and work through the sections that I might actually use. Perhaps others here might be interested in doing the same thing, whether for the first or the fifth time. With that in mind, I'd like to start a thread on the first book, and invite anyone who wants to follow along to jump in with their thoughts, experiences and advice. No rush, just a methodical examination of the entire text.
So, to begin at the beginning, here's a look at Book 1, Lesson 1 - The History of Magic: This chapter serves the double duty of putting magic in a historical context, and firing up the reader's enthusiasm for the art as one that holds a special place in the world. Dr. Tarbell describes how magic was used by the earliest leaders in society to show that they had a special relationship with the gods, and therefore were worthy of the trust of their people. He discusses the role of the earliest Magi in Egyptian culture, and later their role in the Exodus from Egypt and in foretelling the coming of Christ. He cites many examples of references to magic in the Old and New Testament. There is a very interesting discussion of Zoroaster, who, according to Tarbell (citing Charles Francis Potter), "invented" the concept of the devil, and had a profound influence on the early Magi. He follows the development of magic through the alchemists of the Middle Ages and into modern times, including its relationship to the development of modern science. Although magic is now done for entertainment, it still holds a special place in the performing arts, appealing to the sense of wonder we had as children when our understanding of the possible vs. the impossible was still being formed. There is a short but interesting discussion of the three primary functions of sleight of hand. At the end, there is a great discussion of the way that the study of magic trains and sharpens your mind. My favorite quote is "what magic requires of you, it gives to you...[meaning that] magic requires accurate knowledge and snappy thinking on your part, and it teaches you to fulfill these requirements." All-in-all a very interesting beginning to the course. Dr. Harlan does not cite many - if not most - of the sources for his historical references, but it's obvious that he's studied the topic in depth. Furthermore, he conveys a sincere love and respect for the art of magic. It is obvious that he is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with the student throughout the course.
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TAJ Regular user 197 Posts |
Good job MaxfieldsMagic! I have not read Tarbell yet but hear it is a must for the serious student.
Taj |
Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
There is actually a text available on how to study Tarbell. Denny can put you on to it. (Listen to everything Denny tells you, he has tons of experience and knows what he is talking about). Originally Tarbell was a correspondence course, but the volume texts today have been updated some from that time, and other tricks added at later times by other magicians thus differing from the original correspondence course. It is still one of the classics. You would be surprised at how many times some magician comes up with a trick that just wows all other magicians and they ask where the performer got it from and the answer is "Tarbell".
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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MaxfieldsMagic Inner circle Instead of practicing, I made 3009 Posts |
Ah, yes - the Tarbell Study Guide. Denny's didn't seem to have any in stock, but I just found a copy via Google. Thanks, Father Photius!
Now appearing nightly in my basement.
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Vick Inner circle It's taken me 10+ years to make 1120 Posts |
MaxfieldsMagic
Good for you sir, and with Denny it's not nagging as much as direction. I know first hand ;-) Denny's direction has made me a much better performer and if he's taken the time to point you in the right direction you might experience the same Back to the books, there is more magic than any of use will every perform in the Tarbell Course. For me I got the most from Tarbell's writing about the art and the work. "Magic as a Science" as an example "learn the science of magic so as to have a firm foundation when you specialize or individualize later on" . Makes perfect sense to me. While I don't do much directly from the books I do a lot of work that was introduced in the books I read the books to learn the principles involved even if I didn't work on particular things that weren't my style or didn't interest me as much. Learning just the sleights in lesson 3 "Sleight of hand with coins", lesson 8 "Ball Tricks" and lesson 13 "Card Sleights" gives a good foundation to build from
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MaxfieldsMagic Inner circle Instead of practicing, I made 3009 Posts |
And speaking of "Magic as Science," here's
Book 1, Lesson 2 - Magic as Science: This chapter is foundational to the course, as it covers the importance of practice, attention to detail, acting naturally while doing the "dirty work," and Dr. Harlan's goal of teaching principles, rather then just tricks. The emphasis on principles is no doubt a chief factor in the enduring popularity of the course. As Dr. Harlan states, "[a] magician is not a magician because he knows tricks, but because he knows magic - the principles, the fundamentals." Professional Attitude - Dr. Harlan makes it his goal to teach the student to perform at the professional level, whether they aim to be professionals or hobbyists. He provides excellent tips on making the most of your daily practice time with an eye towards focusing on the smallest detail; based on his advice and comments here, you can assume that he probably would have advocate the use video had it been available. Many of the greatest effects in magic, he states, are based on simple principles. Effects that are hundreds of years old still mystify audiences today, provided that the performer invest the time and dedicated practice necessary to execute them naturally and convincingly. Although he will provide patter for the effects in the course, he wants the student to make up their own; this is important, he says, as "you can make your reputation on a clever line of patter." Angle of Visibility - this section describes the three basic positions your hand must take to adjust for the angles of visibility you are likely to encounter while performing. It's a great discussion with clear diagrams. The upshot is that you have to practice your effects in more than one manner to ensure that you can do them regardless of the relative position of the audience. Power of Suggestion - Dr. Harlan's introductory discussion of the psychology of magic. He goes into some detail concerning using the power of suggestion on yourself, to enhance your confidence and naturalness, and in putting your audience under its influence. Subsequent related discussions examine the audience's willingness to believe, and the power of imagination in forming ideas and perceptions. This section is very motivational and empowering. Art of Misdirection - I know that Tommy Wonder preferred proper "direction" over the term "misdirection," but the basic principle as described by Dr. Tarbell is very similar. In fact, Dr. Tarbell describes the technique at one point as "redirecting" attention. He sets forth an important psychological principle concerning the attention span of the average person - something which must be recognized and honored when constructing and performing your routines. Magic Develops Your Personality; Magic a Great Aide in Business - Dr. Harlan, in this section, demonstrates an old-school enthusiasm for the effect that the practice of magic will have on your personality and ability to succeed in business. It's not the sort of thing you read much today, particularly when we see Steve Carrell's admission that he attended "magic camp" (in the Forty Year Old Virgin) as clear evidence of geekdom. But, as Dr. Harlan states, "you must have a strong personality to be a success at magic." Dr. Harlan offers four summary tips to ensure that the student is prepared to perform magic convincingly and with confidence. Magic a Wonderful Hobby - this short section speaks to the importance of paying dues and having patience. Even the best professional magicians begin as hobbyists, and it is best to practice the fundamentals as a hobbyist before contemplating the leap to something more.
Now appearing nightly in my basement.
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Vick Inner circle It's taken me 10+ years to make 1120 Posts |
MaxfieldsMagic
Great to see you tasking this to heart, sincerely will help your performing. Would for anyone regardless of expereince level. Personally am a Wonderphile and see it the same about direction or misdirection (for some that's semantics). Focusing your audience's attention where you want it at all times as opposed taking it from somewhere else and directing it away from your actions. Obvious ties to the Power of Suggestion About magic developing personality, for me it's backwards. Expressing personality through performing, if that makes sense. Had a background in music and sales before finding magic. Denny makes an excellent point in his lecture notes about "the audience likes you". When you develop that personal relationship with your audience it's so much more effective and encourages a path to emotional investment from your audience. When your audience likes you they want to be entertained by you, they are your friends, they want you to succeed. Wish every YouTuber had the "Professional Attitude " or at a minimum a healthy respect for the art and those who went before. Perhaps time, maturity and learning can enable that attitude for some. Everything stated there is gold! Consider what advantages we have, video tape for practice, almost every book every written on the art available. Mix that with what is there we can experience tremendous growth and unlimited potential. Please pardon my relating the book personally in this thread, would like to see much more from others!
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MaxfieldsMagic Inner circle Instead of practicing, I made 3009 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-02-15 17:03, Vick wrote: Definitely. I gave up on magic at age 12 (when I dropped it in favor of learning the guitar), but probably wouldn't have if I'd been aware of Tarbell's course. Came back to it about a year and a half ago and was dumbfounded at the amount of quantity and quality of materials that are now available. I actually started that discovery with a couple of Ellusionist DVDs (which I still like, regardless of some of the comments I've read), then went from there. There is now soooo much great help out there, we're only limited by the amount of effort we're willing to invest. It's interesting that you have a background in music. It seems there are several others on this site who are also musicians. I personally find that my 30 years of playing guitar have helped me with magic, both in teaching the value of careful, focused practice, and in developing manual dexterity. There really are a lot of parallels. Magicians and musicians are both "finger athletes," in a way. Two of the best hobbies in the world, IMO.
Now appearing nightly in my basement.
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sean_mh Loyal user 229 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-02-15 23:06, MaxfieldsMagic wrote: As a guitarist, and magician-in-training, I heartily concur. Sean |
Raymagic11 New user Holland 63 Posts |
Tarbell is great! Although some of the pattern is slightly outdated, and other effects have newer methods to them, it is one of the greatest places to start you journey through magic.
"A magician has the skill to conceal the skill"
- Paul Wilson "Magic is driven by emotion and conflict" - Tommy Wonder |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Yep! You're hooked now! My Tarbell's look like they've been through a war and I still value them very highly.
Enjoy your magic. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
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