I had a recent silly idea for a way to additional complexity to a magic performance. The tabor pipe is a one-handed whistle capable of about one diatonic octave (a well made one played by a good player can get a couple more notes and some of the accidentals are possible, too, so I've forestalled the guys who will want to come on and correct me without adding anything to the actual subject). So far, I only play a couple of tunes on it, but I'm thinking that if one hand is playing the music, the other hand can do the magic.

Here's the problem: tricks performed to the tabor pipe have to be visual because you can't play and talk at the same time, and they have to be one-hand tricks. I've only managed to think of two tricks I could do with the other hand, so far.

Rene Lavond had that wonderful 3 breadcrumbs cup and balls he did. That one has a clear plot without having to speak a word.

Cellini's DVD of magic that can be done anywhere has the continuous production of a ball with one hand.

Can anyone else think of other tricks that can be done one-handed to music?

-Patrick

I stared a book called "One Hand Clapping" for persons with disabilities of the "only one usable hand/arm" variety.
There seemed to be little interest except for those wanting to fake having only one hand that does not work. Spectators are gullible, not stupid.

Your approach to having one hand busy tweeks my excitement a bit. I could see alternating speech and playing with both the pipe and music being a "wand"
for misdirection and directed focus. The music is the "reason for the magic." Different melody for a vanish, production, transportation, etc. -
or each cup has a different tune to indicate where the ball now is - only confirmed by the visual display (or not)

Maybe you can find a pitch/vibration that can turn off cellphones at a table

Write me ken@eversway.com to discuss so that I can attach things. I have several partially developed effects and some practiced ones.
How about a "coins thru table" with four coins one at a time into a glass held between your knees?
or finding thought of cards with a spectator shuffling the cards because you cannot?

Also, check out what ventriloquist do with one hand busy - and mimes too.

Check out the DVD Maestro by Rene Lavand. All beautyful routines and all done with one hand. Can't find anything better in this area. Mostly card tricks but also a wonderful routine with a cup and three breadcrumbs.

Hey Mr. Woolery,
I'd skip the Magic,
stick to Music,...
and add another instrument to the Show.
https://youtu.be/UoLE31Y83LM

😊

hee hee he.

How about a dancing,..floating cigarette,.
via Steve Fearson?
Maybe a dancing snake,...out of the basket?
,....with a little fancy foot-work?

Naaa!
ADD THE PIANO!

Smiles,
..and good luck,
Gallagher

p.s.: Pete Seeger played 'the Tarantella',
using TWO Records,...Bock Flutes,..
at the same time(!).
It was a great number.

The one hand knot in rope. This is done holding a rope by the end in a vertical position and with a slight shake a simple knot forms. Takes a lot of practice.

Rising cards (Devano)

Jumbo Card change (king changes to queen)

Color changing rope (spring loaded)

Thank you for reviving this! I did get Funsway’s ebook. There are some very good ideas in there, though geared more for close up. Tabor pipes are rather loud, so better for a busking type performance.

I appreciate the further suggestions. I am not sure anything will ever come of it, but this is an idea I want to keep exploring.

Patrick

Did someone say, "One Hand?"

That’s lovely!

Patrick

You might want to try a one-handed riffle shuffle. While it's not actually magic, the audiences love it!