School of Magic Arts

The School

School of Magic Arts was founded in 2017 by professional magicians Brian M. Kehoe (he/him) and Annie Montone (she/her). Since then, SOMA has grown into a 365 day-a-year virtual stage magic school that offers group classes, camps, workshops, and private lessons. At School of Magic Arts, we believe that the best way to learn magic is to perform it (yes, even virtually!). Students are rewarded for their commitment to the art of stage magic by "leveling up" as they ascend through the ranks of our curriculum and perform in our shows. Whether they're with us for one lesson or several years, they'll gain the skills, confidence, and community they need to succeed.

Head Magicians Brian and Annie in an oval scroll frame

Customer Reviews

Read them on Sawyer

As seen in

“The Online Classes Actually
Worth Taking”

years

cities

94%

attendance

Magic is Changing

The world around us is changing, and we believe magic needs to change, too. Magic is strongest when it includes all gender identities, races, ethnicities, orientations, physical or mental abilities, and perspectives. At School of Magic Arts, we know that there is no one person that typifies "a magician." We strive to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our students, families, and audiences. We believe that anyone who wants to perform magic should be able to do just that in a safe, empowering, and inclusive environment. Welcome to SOMA. You belong, here.

A pink circular badge with a rainbow in the middle and words that say "LGBTQ+ Safer Space"

A green circular badge with a heart in the middle and words that say "Bully Free Promise"

An orange circular badge with a hand in the middle and words that say "Anti-racism Zone"

Partners

We are so grateful to have partnered with the following organizations:

“Annie and Brian were positive while working with the girls and brought a great energy. We highly recommend [School of Magic Arts].“
‍- Abby R. Teacher,
St. Paul's School for Girls

Follow us on Instagram

If you're looking for unique holiday gifts with a magic twist, the SOMA store has you covered! Not only can you pick up a "No Risk No Magic" notebook or tote bag and a "This is What a Magician Looks Like" tee, but you'll also be supporting the School of Magic Arts program and all of our students! Link in bio. #SOMA #SchoolofMagicArts #SOMAMerch #ThisIsWhatAMagicianLooksLike #NoRiskNoMagic #Notebook #Teeshirt #ToteBag #HolidayGiving #SchoolStore

If only Thanksgiving dinners appeared like magic! Unfortunately, outside of retro TV Land, they don't. Remember to give thanks and appreciation for the amazing parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and anyone else who is working so hard to make kitchen magic and delicious meals for us today! Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends and family in the USA! #SchoolOfMagicArts #SOMA #HappyThanksgiving #CookingMagic #Magician #LadyMagician #Illusion #Magic #thanksgiving

Elmer, a club member at Open Minds (our partnership with Creative Alliance this fall), demonstrates the sequences in SOMA's "2D to 3D" Illusion. The picture of the spot goes into the bag, the magician says the magic word, and out pops an actual ball. At the end of the effect, the bag is shown empty. Our magicians are building props and learning so much about performing magic this semester! #SomaStudents #SchoolOfMagicArts #CreativeAlliance #OpenMindsClub #Partnership #BaltimoreMagic #Baltimore #Magic #MagicTrick #Illusion #MagicSchool #AfterSchool #MagicLessons #KidsActivities #KidsActivityIdeas #STEAM #STEM

Today we salute the most important part of any magic show - the audience volunteer! Magicians need volunteers to participate in their magic effects in order to make them work, and a virtual school is no exception. Thank you to the volunteers who raised their hands, got "on stage" with our magicians, and made the SOMA Year 2 show a success on Saturday. You are very appreciated! #SchoolOfMagicArts #SOMA #Magic #StageMagic #Magician #PerformanceNight #Year2 #MagicShow #AudienceVolunteer #AudienceVolunteerAppreciationDay

Thank you to everyone who came to our Year Two Virtual Performance Night this weekend! We are so proud of our Magic Performance Program students. They really blew us away with how creative they can be with their magic! We look forward to seeing them perform again in March. #SchoolofMagicArts #SOMA #PerformanceNight #SomaSecondYear #ThankYou #Magic #MagicSchool #AfterSchool #MagicLessons #KidsActivities #KidsActivityIdeas #STEAM #STEM

There's nothing better than goofing around with your friends during a SOMA class, especially when we're practicing card magic! Just because SOMA is a virtual school doesn't mean our students don't get opportunities to make strong and lasting connections. We've seen friendships blossom in our classes that have been going on for years. Our community is very close, and we are so happy to see it! #SomaStudents #SchoolOfMagicArts #VirtualSchool #CardMagic #Magic #MagicSchool #Friends4EVA #AfterSchool #MagicLessons #KidsActivities #KidsActivityIdeas #STEAM #STEM

Programs

A color illustration of an open book with a muted rainbow of swirls coming out of a page.

Performance Program

AGES

7 - 17

PRICE

$125 / month

INFO

Weekly classes for students of stage magic.

Learn More

Newsletter sign up

Get all the latest SOMA news, announcements, special offers, and program info.

Why Performance Program?

When children are able to learn and perform magic successfully, their self-esteem goes up.

Studies have found that all students (including those with learning difficulties, behavioral challenges, and physical disabilities) exhibit greater self-esteem scores after studying and performing magic.

At School of Magic Arts, we encourage confidence building by teaching to each student's level, step-by-step. We also provide opportunities for performance success in every class, and at school-wide Performance Nights where they can show off their skills.

“His confidence level increased tremendously and it was wonderful to see him feeling proud about his magic tricks."
- Jennifer F., SOMA Parent

"In addition to expanding her magic skills, she has developed a stage presence and a confidence I had not seen before."
- Michelle P., SOMA Parent

Magicians are unusually skilled at manipulating objects. The way that we use our hands promotes gross and fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. In a study of forty people studying magic, all showed significant improvement in both the use of the left and right hands, and their ability to use both hands together.

At School of Magic Arts, we take the time before each class to stretch, and we teach our effects as a sequence of physical steps, allowing time to master the movement of each step. We also build magic props together, which helps to further improve motor skills.

"He was able to craft the props and practice all the skills at just the right level and with the perfect amount of time."
- Regan P. SOMA Parent

Magicians do not work alone. To produce magic shows, like we do at School of Magic Arts, requires the coordination of many people. It also requires emotional regulation, respect, and cooperation. Teachers report that incorporating magic into their curriculum encourages students to help one another, and increases leadership, socialization, peer relationships, and collaboration.

At SOMA, we are more than a school, we are a community. In every class, camp, and workshop, we make time for our students to form relationships. We also focus on working with others, including volunteers and audience members, in a way that is respectful and clear, as well as engaging.

"He loved learning about magic, and he also loved the opportunity to chat and socialize with other people."
- Joni B., SOMA Parent

"I really appreciate that you are teaching your students to address their audiences in a gender neutral manner. My partner is non-binary and little gestures like that are noticed and appreciated in our household."
- Zach G., SOMA Audience Member

A line drawing of a mason jar filled with 5-pointed stars.

Upcoming Classes, Workshops, & Performances