Magic Classes

Current learning opportunities at School of Magic Arts

Learn more about our classes

A girl with short brown hair and a tie dye shirt pulls a quarter out of her own ear while making a silly face.
“N. was excited to engage people, known and unknown, with her magic skills. Engaging strangers has always been hit or miss with her, but with magic, she has something in which she feels confident and competent.”
- Tara C., SOMA Parent

The Path to SOMA

Here's how it works, let's follow a typical student.

  • Book a one-on-one lesson with a live instructor to see if it’s a good fit.
  • Receive your student’s invitation to join.  You’re good to go!
  • Register for your student’s first magic course, Fundamentals of Magic. 
  • Get your SOMA Magic Supply Kit in the mail.
  • Your student begins attending their weekly Zoom magic class with a live instructor learning all different types of magic: cards, coins, mentalism, and more.
  • After a month at SOMA, they earn their first pin!
  • Practice, practice, practice.
  • Invite friends and family to their first SOMA magic show at the end of the semester.  It’s a big success!
  • Your magician levels up, has officially gotten bit by the magic bug, and is now ready to continue with their next courses at SOMA :)
A grid of images on an iPad featuring 7 students learning how to make orange sponge balls disappear.An enamel pin in the shape of a purple keyAn enamel pin in the shape of a purple rabbit with a star for an eyeAn enamel pin in the shape of a purple hourglass with a star in the top part and sand in the bottom part

Weekly Magic School

Most students at SOMA are enrolled in Weekly Magic School which run in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.  They are the most popular and unique programming at our school.  In once a week sessions, students learn magic with a live teacher, build on their skills, level up, and perform in our public shows, earning their pins along the way. 

  • Virtual learning allows students to see the instructors hands up close, which makes it easier to learn magic. There are so many other surprising benefits that we wrote about it here.
  • Small class sizes encourage interaction and feedback between teachers and students.
  • Our Magic Supply Kits are curated by professional magicians and use quality magic supplies, not cheap plastic gimmicks.  And they're shipped right to your door.
  • Our online library of instructional materials are available to SOMA students 24/7.
  • SOMA students have the opportunity to perform in live, virtual shows for real audiences.  This builds their confidence to start performing in-person!
  • The SOMA pin system is something our students love.  We send them custom pins to mark their progress as they grow in the program. Our Summer Session has its own special pin!
A grid of images on an iPad featuring 7 students learning how to make orange sponge balls disappear.An enamel pin in the shape of a purple keyAn enamel pin in the shape of a purple rabbit with a star for an eyeAn enamel pin in the shape of a purple hourglass with a star in the top part and sand in the bottom part

What courses do we offer?

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!

More information about our Fundamentals course can be found here.

Fundamentals of Magic

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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.

Working with Volunteers

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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.

Advancing Technique

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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.

Creating Routines

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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.

History of Magic

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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.  

Building a Persona

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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 Course of Study

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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.

Open Classes

Open Classes are available for students who are still building confidence in their performing skills or deciding whether or not magic is for them.  An Open Class is a low-commitment way to join School of Magic Arts in a "one off" class.  A professional magician will instruct the class in a classic stage magic effect.  Students will also learn basics of performance and types of magic.

We don't have any Open Classes at the moment, but if you sign up for our email list you will be the first to hear about them next month!


Open Class GUIDE

Beginner:  this student likes magic, and has seen it in person or on TV.  No previous knowledge is required, just a good attitude.

Intermediate:  this student knows a couple of magic tricks, and has a strong interest in magic - may have a magic kit or performed for family or friends.  

Advanced: this student knows knows a bunch of magic tricks, and may have already taken classes in the past or performed in a magic show.

Private Lessons

Private Lessons are for students ages 8-17 who want to go at their own pace or for some other reason need one-on-one instruction. They allow for maximum interaction between student and teacher. Private lessons are built around the student's interest to keep things personal and interactive. Students can choose their instructor and the date and time that is most convenient.

Private Magic Lesson with Brian
Lessons are always highly customized to the student's needs and goals are established early. Brian specializes in card magic.
March
-
May
2023
Ages:
8-17
See Schedule

Compare

Open Classes

$30 /
 class

Magic School

$31.50 /
class
(billed monthly)

Private Lessons

$70 /
lesson

Live Instruction Through Zoom

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45 Minute Class

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Small Group

Continuing Class

Custom Magic Kits

Video Library

Performance Opportunities

Unique Pin System

One on One

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Summer Session

Registration for our Summer Session has closed, but registration for our Fall Session will be opening in July. Get on our list to be the first to find out when our FREE trial classes begin!

School of Magic Arts Summer Session runs from June 12 - August 30, 2023. We are so excited to offer Build Your Own Magic this summer!

Students will meet once a week in two hour classes to construct magic props and learn magic effects. From hand props to large stage illusions, SOMA magicians will explore the inner workings of stage magic, build their own magic show, and unlock the best summer ever. Everything they need for this STEAM powered 12 weeks will be shipped to your door prior to the first day of class.

Build Your Own Magic is a perfect introduction to stage magic and School of Magic Arts, as well as a blast for current and returning students. A great supplement to in-person camps! Vacation schedules are no problem.  School of Magic Arts classes include an exclusive library of recorded lessons to get them up to speed on anything they might miss in class, and their kits can travel with them anywhere there is internet access.  Keep minds engaged and learning over summer break!

  • 12 weeks of live, online classes
  • Instruction by a professional magician
  • Supply kit of building materials
  • Magic props included
  • Access to supplemental video library
If you have any additional questions you can check out our FAQ section or reach out to us at answers@encountermagic.com.

Fundamentals of Magic

$450.00

Payment plan available

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.

  • Kids ages 8-12
  • March 4 - May 25, 2024
  • 12 classes
  • Small, 5 student classes
  • Live, online via Zoom
  • Instruction by a professional magician
  • Magic supply kit
  • Access to supplemental video library

Upcoming Class Schedule

Tue
4:30 pm
-
5:30 pm
EST
Mar 5
-
May 21
,
2024
Tue
5:30 pm
-
6:00 pm
EST
Mar 5
-
May 21
,
2024
Thu
8:00 pm
-
9:00 pm
EST
Mar 7
-
May 23
,
2024
Sat
10:00 am
-
11:00 am
EST
Mar 9
-
May 25
,
2024
Registration into our school is offered to students who have taken a free one-on-one lesson with us.
“I think it is really good for him and he's getting better at raising his hand and letting others speak.  Hopefully this helps him improve in school as well.”
- Joni B., SOMA Parent

Trial Class

Our Trial Magic Class 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 who are just starting out, or who are interested in learning more about how School of Magic Arts virtual lessons work.

Trial classes allow our Head Magicians to meet new students and make class registration suggestions that will ensure their success in the program.

Just find a time below and complete registration through our Sawyer parent portal.  We'll reach out once your young magician is registered.
If you have any additional questions you can check out our FAQ section or reach out to us at answers@encountermagic.com.
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“A. has gained so much being a part of your program - self confidence, something all her own to individuate from her sisters, and cool friends and mentors!”
- Heather B. SOMA Parent

Your Kid Loves Magic and So Do We

From the very first class, they will be excited to share their new magic with you.

A grid of images on a laptop display featuring performers and audience from the SOMA June Performance Night.

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.

  • Appropriate for ages 8-11
  • 45- min live virtual instruction
  • Small groups
  • Use materials you have at home
  • No experience level required
  • First class FREE to new students

The Lesson!  What do we get?

  • First class FREE to new students.
  • 45 minutes one-on-one with a SOMA magician through Zoom.
  • Learn up to three magic effects that can be performed immediately.
  • PDF download with written instructions.
  • An invitation to join School of Magic Arts!

Build Self esteem and confidence

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.

improve 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.

grow with support of a community

Teachers report that incorporating magic into their curriculum encourages students to help one another, and increases leadership, socialization, peer relationships, and collaboration.

Curriculum

SOMA classes are structured for a consistent learning experience.  In each class, students will:

1

Prepare

check-in, warmups, core monthly concept re-enforced.

2

Learn

effect introduced, demonstrated, and taught.

3

Practice

guided practice, receive instructor/peer feedback.

4

Perform

perform effect individually, work on presentation skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

My kid is kinda shy, is this right for her?

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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.

We already do a lot of activities, are we going to have time?

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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!

What if my child struggles with learning on the computer?

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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.

My daughter is already learning magic for free on YouTube, why should she take classes?

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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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your cancellation policy?

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The $300 deposit ($250 + $50 supplies) to reserve your student's spot is non-refundable. If for any reason you need to cancel, please contact answers@encountermagic.com prior to June 5, 2023 to request a refund of any additional payments. All tuition is non- refundable after June 12, 2023.

If installment payments are selected at checkout, they will be charged on the 12th day of June and July. Any missed classes can be viewed in the student video library.

My kid is kinda shy, is this right for her?

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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.

We are traveling for the summer, how does SOMA accommodate those days?

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If a student is traveling for a day or two, we would invite them to attend another session that week.

If they are gone longer and miss the entire week, or if it not possible for them to attend another session for whatever reason, we would direct them to watch the video for the class that would be found in their exclusive library (just like during the school year).  

In addition, we would schedule a short one-on-one session to get them caught up, if they need further help.

What if my child struggles with learning on the computer?

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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.

My daughter is already learning magic for free on YouTube, why should she take classes?

keyboard_arrow_down

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!

Looking for our week-long virtual Magic Camps? We've moved them to our Summer page.
Go to Camps

No assembly required!

You can create a great supply kit made up of items bought at a big box store that you're kid will love.

Get the Free Checklist