Serious Practice Schedule for the Summer

[Robert//Livingston]

Hey guys,

So I just finished my semester at college and looking forward to a great summer. I was wondering what a great practice schedule could be (seeing as I have a lot of off time). I already have a deck of cards in my hands at least 4-5 hours a day, working on false deals, shuffles, and the pass.

I was just wondering if any of you have a strict schedule you go by for practice, or if you just do it whenever you feel like. I know Darwin Ortiz stated that he practices for six hours a day, everyday.

I also don't have that many things to practice (in my mind).

The effects I perform, I have down. I practice mostly on technique, and recently purchased 'Cardshark' and 'Darwin Ortiz at the Card Table'. I own Erdnase and have been trying to forage my way through that, while at the same time reading through other books on material.

Sometimes I feel that I've gotten too much information, and need to focus on one book at a time. I've got; AoA, Tarbell Course, the first two volumes of Card College, Strong Magic, Cardshark, Paper Engine, Darwin Ortiz ATCT, Expert ATCT, TOOC, Mark Wilson's Coures, The Magic of Micheal Ammar, 13 Steps, Prism, Pure Effect, Absolute Magic, Hiding the Elephant, Designing Miracles, and Bobo's Modern Coin Magic.

Some I've read cover to cover, and some I've picked through. I just don't want to make the mistake of over-looking, or not learning some of the information.

So, with all of this material and extra time.. what would you do?

PS - I perform regularly on the street, and for friends/family. With the occasional gig

 

[E/caulfield]

I always have a deck of cards on me (they're just so damn portable) so I just practice with them whenever I have the chance.

 

[D ICE R]

What di you want to do with magic as a whole. Do you want to learn all you can or do you want it to be more than a hobby for you. I payed my way through university doing nothing but 1 to 2 shows a week. Whilst I have hundreds of books and DVDs on the subject totaling into the thousands of routines I only perform six pieces. And they are basically the same six if I am doing close up or stage.

I will get back to you on the practice structure.

 

[aprentice]

I like the idea of a schedule. I have had a deck of Bicycles since last Friday and am keen to get into a routine of what I should learn. Anyone have an order of the basics.

Hope I am not hijacking this thread. Let me know if I should post another.

 

[SimplyMagic14]

I too never leave the house with out a deck of cards. Also just not too long ago I've made sure that I have my half dollars on me too. I practice any time I can but wish it could be more on a schedule. I some times find myself working on too many things at one time.

So, I say to you...if you got the time to practice then do it. It can only make you better!

 

[shinichikudo992000]

I would jam as much as possible this summer, if I were you. First it's fun, second you learn stuff.

That's my opinion.

 

[RickEverhart]

Many of you may disagree with me but I practice when I want and have no set schedule. If I practice for 15 minutes one day....fine. If I go a week without a deck in my hands..fine. If I practice 2 hours one day and skip the next...fine.

I make sure that I am having fun and not getting burned out. There is a lot to life other than magic. Trust me. Ha Ha.

 

[Ooaclouds]

I just finished college too!
i'm thinking of doing maybe avg of 5 hours a day, maybe a bit more!
if you wake up early, you'll have a lot more time, mostly because nobody is awake yet and there is nothing to do.

 

[TheatreHead]

I'll have to agree with what D IC ER said.

Sure, if you're Darwin Ortiz and you're a consultant for casinos, it's probably expected that you practice 6 hours a day.

But for me, after I constructed my set, I practiced my hands off for about 2 weeks until I had the set solid, and now I don't practice it anymore, because I can do it without thinking.

My current practice is mainly me conceptualizing a new routine and finding tricks/sleights that suit what presentation I want to convey.

Sure, I usually have a deck around me to fiddle with, and I almost always have a coin in classic palm, but as for active magic practice, I probably only do about 5 hours a week.

 

[D ICE R]

To elaborate on what TheatreHead said, the most practice I do is going it and watching other magicians and mentalists perform. When I use to play basketball 4 hours a week was spent on videos alone.

 

[Robert//Livingston]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I know I should get a routine and practice it, which I've already got a nice little close-up routine.

I'm really into the gambling sleights, and also finding new material that I could possibly construct other great routines out of.

I know if I only practice my bottom deal or strike second for 15 minutes a week, it will not get to the level I want it. Along with false shuffles, palming, classic forcing, pinky counting, or the classic pass.

For these sleights, or tools, I know I need more than just a few minutes a day.

To DICE R - I definitely want to take my magic to the highest possible level, and entertain for a living.

 

[D ICE R]

Well to quote Aaron Fisher who was quoting Vernon. You should practice until you can consitantly see an improvment.

If you want to perform for a livng shoot me a pm and we can discuss a structured set for both your show and your training regime.

 

[kmagic25]

i always have a deck on me. I am well known as a magician in my community, so the people that enjoy watching magic are always asking me to perform. i am constantly practicing sleights im working on in casual performances like this because if i mess up its not a huge deal. i also practice at home for at least an hour a day, but total i would say i practice around 3 hours a day

 

[Hans]

I don't have a strict schedule, i like to do whatever i want to do with a deck of cards. I think time and effort are just important, no matter you have a schedule or not.

 

[Luis Vega]

I tried to have a schedule to practice magic...but it didn´t work because I saw it as a homework and not as hobby...

usually I let the practice to flow and whenever I feel to...

 

[Robert//Livingston]

Luis - I definitely see what you mean about not treating it like homework.

I've just noticed lately that I'll be messing around with a bottom deal, or strike second and an hour has flown by! The feeling of getting better at a move I thought impossible is a great feeling, and it never feels like I'm forcing myself to practice.

The MacMillan Switch for example, the night I got it I spent an hour on it. Thinking I'd never be able to it off I still kept at it, and the next night it was a little better, and so on.

I just was wondering if anyone had a set schedule that breaks down different moves, or effects.

I'd be interested in a breakdown of Darwin Ortiz's practice schedule, or Jason England's.

 

[WitchDocIsIn]

I work on what I need to work on for my routines, the things I am learning for later, and then whatever I want to mess with at the time. I don't have a set schedule, as in it's not, "From 3:00 to 3:15 will practice second deals, from 3:15 to 3:30 I will practice bottom deals" etc.

I usually start out with second deals and false shuffles, because they're just so fun for me. Then I do some work with bottom deals until I either see an improvement or get too frustrated. Then I usually run through all the routines I do on a regular basis a couple times, but I'm only working on the sleights so it's much faster than actual performances. After that I'll usually either rehearse my routines with full scripting and all, or I'll work on something else, usually sleights I'm having trouble with. Clipshift, one handed shift, shifts in general, etc. Whatever comes to mind. I might also take that time to read through one of my books and work on something totally new.

Basically, I free form it. I work on what I need to work on, I review everything I use on a regular basis, and I just have fun with it. Whenever I've tried to buckle down and create a solid schedule, it doesn't work out, I get bored and end up freestyling anyway.