The Master Sessions (1-4) by John Carney

TIME WITH AN EXPERT...

It’s a solitary art. Most magicians learn their techniques by themselves, in front of a mirror. They never have the benefit of personal instruction from an expert, or the thinking behind expert routines. That’s why great magicians credit the influential teachers in magic. It’s not about just instruction, but inspiration.

John Carney has earned a renowned reputation — including the recognition and respect of professionals and sleight-of-hand fans around the world. We recently watched him dazzle a small group of experienced magicians: first with an intricate routine, and then with a detailed explanation of each move and his thinking behind it. Over the course of his books, workshops, lectures and performances, there’s no question that John is the “real thing.” If you’ve seen John work, you know that his skill allows him to diagnose and perfectly integrate sleights, resulting in (seemingly) effortless presentations. With a conversational approach, John explains exactly what’s necessary, what isn’t, and how magic can always be made better. John makes great magic. And he helps other people perform great magic.

A UNIQUE CHALLENGE...

When we started talking about a DVD project, John had his doubts. He has strong feelings about why video is a good at certain things, but bad at others. Typically, his insights made the project more innovative. We were challenged to incorporate his ideas, and the result, we’re proud to say, is nothing short of remarkable. The “Master Sessions.” Imagine sessioning with John. He shares his thoughts about several routines. He offers some simpler effects as well as “knuckle-busting” sleight-of-hand. More important, he explains the thinking behind every aspect of the routines. John’s known for his detailed analysis, and his improvements for professional routines. He chats about his approach to magic and offers insights into your own magic. For over an hour, John shows you the “real thing,” and gives you some real things to think about.

AND HERE’S YOUR OPPORTUNITY...

If it sounds like a rare opportunity to experience a master class, that’s exactly what it is. And it’s now possible through the medium of video. John Carney picked the subjects, a deliberate mix of card, coin, and small prop effects that will always give you varied instructions and inspirations. Almost none of this material has appeared on video before; many of the routines have never appeared in print. You can get to know John, get to know his magic, and make your own magic better. These “Master Sessions” are not just steps up the ladder, but an opportunity to take quantum leaps. It is the “real thing.”

NOT JUST ANY VIDEO...

We knew that this project called for a different approach. We didn’t want a lecture on a disc, or mere lessons, with one trick after another. We needed expert camera work, professional editing and state-of-the-art production. And we’ve got it. Producer Frankie Glass (who has produced A&E Biography documentaries, science specials for Nova, and magic televison shows, including the innovative “Secret Cabaret”) started from scratch. The videos are produced in Hollywood, like television specials. The result is a DVD that you’ll be thrilled to watch, and happy to watch over and over again. Jim Steinmeyer, magic author and television producer, has developed the final product.

SO MUCH MORE...

And finally, here’s the best part. Like an old friend, John comes back again (with another DVD) and another completely new session in the spring. More magic, more inspiration. In fact, he’s back again and again: a total of four separate DVDs. It’s a full year of sessions, and expert magic. You’ll have four sessions — four DVDs of personal instructions for dozens of effects — with a renowned magician, one of the great innovators of sleight-of-hand.

NOT JUST TRICKS...

Is it worth it to you? Are you interested in taking the next step with close-up? Could you benefit from time with a great sleight-of-hand artist? Or just ask yourself: Are you serious about improving your magic? A GREAT OFFER...“The Master Sessions” consists of four separate DVD sessions, each over an hour in length. The first disc, Winter, is mailed to you in December, with a beautifully printed collector’s case to hold all four discs. Then, another disc follows every season (every three months). It’s a very special type of subscription. You’re guaranteed four discs, four incredible sessions. You cannot buy these DVDs separately. They are only sold as a set, and will be distributed as they are completed. The price is $125 for the four-disc collector’s case, and all four discs. All postage is included. (Please check this website for international postage.) It’s an amazing price for an amazing mixture of inspiring magic. In fact, over the next year, you might pay that much for just three or four individual trick DVDs. John’s goal has been to keep the quality of the material high, the quality of the production high, and the price low, so magicians can benefit from these sessions. We can do that because these discs are only available through our website.