Here's how it works, let's follow a typical student.
Students begin at School of Magic Arts with their first course, Fundamentals of Magic. Our progressive curriculum is semester based. Students may choose to join us for a one-semester course, or complete the entire 3-4 year program. It’s up to them!
In this first School of Magic Arts course, students of all levels, from beginners to those already practicing magic, receive an overview of all different types of stage magic: cards, coins, ropes, silks, mentalism, and more. Students learn effects from all genres, set their practice schedule, and prepare for their first show.
In this course, students advance to effects that involve working with volunteers. While continuing to add to their trick repertoire, they also learn how to interact with participants, explain their effects with confidence, give clear instructions, and showcase their magic for an audience.
Once students have a firm understanding of a wide variety of illusions, it’s time to refine their technique. They begin learning more advanced effects that require more detailed and quick handling, particularly in card, coin, and silk sleight-of-hand.
In this course, students will focus on linking tricks together to make strong magic routines. They learn effective transitions, theming, and scripting that can add to their effects and make a great show.
In their third year, students delve into the history of magic, from the Golden Age through the present day. They present their first themed show, “Magic Through the Ages,” which includes illusions inspired by those who have gone before to change magic history.
In their last official course at SOMA, students build a character, or “persona” and are able to specialize in the magic that interests them most.
Private lessons are available for students who have completed the official curriculum but would like to continue to study magic, or for those who would need one-on-one lessons. Click here to see more about our private lessons.
From the very first class, they will be excited to share their new magic with you.
Magic 101 is one of the entry points to joining our school. We get that virtual lessons aren't for everyone and we want to give new students an opportunity to try us out. This class is a great introduction to performing magic for students ages 8-11 and 12-17 who are just starting out, or who are interested in learning more about how School of Magic Arts virtual lessons work.
Taught by live instructors, Magic 1o1 focuses on multiple types of magic with materials you can easily find in your home! In each lesson students learn a new magic effect and have an opportunity to talk with a professional magician.
The first lesson is FREE to new students, just register for one of the dates through the registration link below. We'll send you the Zoom link and materials list on the day.
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.
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.
Teachers report that incorporating magic into their curriculum encourages students to help one another, and increases leadership, socialization, peer relationships, and collaboration.
SOMA classes are structured for a consistent learning experience. In each class, students will:
check-in, warmups, core monthly concept re-enforced.
effect introduced, demonstrated, and taught.
guided practice, receive instructor/peer feedback.
perform effect individually, work on presentation skills.
Yes! You don't have to be extroverted to enjoy and excel at magic. In fact, we've found that our program helps shy students build confidence.
SOMA classes are just 1 hour a week, with 10 minutes of practice required a day, easy to fit into a busy schedule. And since the classes are virtual, drive time is eliminated!
We understand. Unfortunately, in the panic of the pandemic, a lot of educational programs tried to adapt their in-person curriculums for online. And it just didn't work. Students and teachers alike were frustrated. At SOMA, our program was developed exclusively for virtual learning. We've found that magic is especially well suited to be taught in an online environment; each student gets an up-close view of the instructors' hands, making the class easy to follow.
YouTube is a fantastic resource, but there are a lot of things it can't do. While it can be great for learning tricks, it can't give a student feedback on their work, help them find opportunities to perform in their communities, or curate effects that will work for their style and ability. And it doesn't provide a live community of magicians who share their enthusiasm for magic!
You can create a great supply kit made up of items bought at a big box store that you're kid will love.
