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

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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"

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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

We are so happy to say a big SOMA welcome to Loralie (pictured), Harper, Thomas, Jude, Henry, Noah, Toven, Celia, Owen, Tola, Brishen, Liam, Avi, and Max! They are our incoming School of Magic Arts Year One Performance Program class. Look for them in their first show very soon! If you know someone who should be a. part of this elite lineup, point them towards our "Magic 101" trial class and see if it's for them (link in bio). #SchoolOfMagicArts #SOMA #Magic #MagicLessons #MagicClasses #KidsMagic #StageMagic #MagicSchool #PerformanceProgram #AfterSchool #AfterSchoolProgram #Hourglass #FirstYear #Commitment #Dedication #VirtualSchool #KidsActivities #KidsActivityIdeas #STEAM

School of Magic Arts will be out in the community on Saturday, October 2nd from 10am-3pm at the Arts in the Park festival at Chesapeake Arts Center. We will be teaching magic at our SOMA tent, taking pictures, and Head Magicians will be doing live demos on the stage. Come on out to see us, and lots of other local artists! This event features "live performances, art, vendors, hands-on arts workshops , food trucks and fun for the entire family." chesapeakearts.org/artsinthepark Masks are strongly recommended and we encourage social distancing when attending the festival. #SchoolofMagicArts #SOMA #SomaHeadMagicians #ChesapeakeArtsCenter #ArtsinthePark #ArtsinthePark2021 #Partnership #ArtsPartner #MagicPartner #MagicSchool #Arts #ArtsinEducation #ArtsCenter #MagicClasses #MagicLessons #LearnMagic #Magician #Magic #StageMagic #MagicShow #KidsMagic #Magician #STEAM #STEM

Annie is a Gemini Unicorn, and Brian wears the crown as a Leo! What type of headwear do you get? Do you think it fits your sign? #SchoolOfMagicArts #SOMA #Astrology #AstrologicalSign #WhatsYourSign #SOMAHeadMagicians #Magician #Headpiece #Costume #Gemini #Leo #Pisces #Aquarius #Capricorn #Sagittarius #Aries #Taurus #Cancer #Virgo #Libra #Scorpio #Magic #MagicLessons #MagicClasses #KidsMagic #StageMagic #MagicSchool #AfterSchool

Awwww, our ears are burning! It's always so nice to hear feedback like this from our adult students! Our mission at SOMA is to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our students, families, and audiences. If learning magic in this kind of environment appeals to you, give us a shout! #SchoolOfMagicArts #SOMA #Magic #HeadMagicians #MagicLessons #MagicClasses #StageMagic #MagicSchool #AfterSchool #AfterSchoolProgram #MagicPerformance #SkillBuilding #Nurturing #Inclusive #VirtualSchool

We're afraid so. Like many things in life, the only way to really get good at magic is to practice! #SchoolOfMagicArts #SOMA #Meme #PeterParker #Practice #Magician #MagicFactOfTheDay #Magic #MagicLessons #MagicClasses #KidsMagic #StageMagic #MagicSchool #AfterSchool #memes #magicmeme

Do you have an exceptional kid who might be looking for their hobby, their interest, their "thing"? Maybe magic is it! At School of Magic Arts, we have virtual classes for young magicians from ages 7-17 (so it doesn't matter where you are geographically). Never taken a group magic class before and don't know what to expect? That's what "Magic 101" is for! Magic 101 is a "Pay What You Decide" trial class developed to show new students how SOMA works, what they can expect to learn, and how much fun magic can be. Sign up for October's Magic 101 class now! #SchoolOfMagicArts #SOMA #Magic #LearnMagic #OpenRegistration #StageMagic #RegistrationDeadline #MagicSchool #AfterSchool #MagicLessons #KidsActivities #KidsActivityIdeas #STEAM

Programs

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Performance Program

AGES

7 - 17

PRICE

$125 / month

INFO

Weekly classes for students of stage magic.

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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

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Upcoming Classes & Workshops