Best Magic Class

If you’re looking for the best magic class in 2023 this article is here to help.

With so many online magic classes available, it can be hard to know which one to choose.

So that’s why we’ve scoured the internet to bring you the definitive guide to the best online magic courses out there.

We’ve looked at coin, card, and rope magic (plus much more). Taken into account skills like sleight of hand, misdirection, and showmanship. And thought about experience level from beginner to advanced.

So with that being said, let’s get started!

Best Online Magic Courses 2023

Here are our top online Magic Course recommendations:

1. Matt McGurk teaches how to Do Magic Tricks & Easy Card Tricks for Beginners (Udemy)
2. Penn and Teller teach the Art of Magic (MasterClass)
3. Sergio Sastre teaches the Complete Magic Masterclass (Udemy) 
4. Tim Domsky teaches Sleight of Hand Magic (SkillShare)
5. Tim Domsky teaches Advanced Card Magic and Personal Favourites (SkillShare)
6. Jeremy Pasternak teaches Sophisticated Magic for Sophisticated Adults (Udemy)
7. Kenny Molotov teaches Elite Card Techniques for beginners (Udemy) 
8. Kenny Molotov teaches Intermediate Elite Card Technique (Udemy)
9. Michael Harrington teaches How to Perform Magic for Anyone (Udemy)
10. Aaron Fisher teaches Magic with the Miracle Man Method

Our top recommendations are the Do Magic Tricks with Matt McGurk class and the Penn and Teller MasterClass.

That’s because they’re both very well taught, include a range of really cool magic tricks, and focus on the key fundamentals of magic.

One thing to think about when choosing between these two is that with MasterClass you pay for something called an All Access pass, which as the name suggests, gives you access to all 100+ courses on the platform. 

These classes are taught by world leading experts (Gordon Ramsay, Serena Williams, and Hans Zimmer). It’s really worth considering if you can find a few classes you’d be interested in, as the more classes you take, the better value you get. They also have a refund policy which removes the risk of you losing out if you don’t enjoy it.

With Matt McGurk’s class, you are only buying access to his course. But if you’re only interested in just learning magic, he’s your man.

If your magical weapon of choice is cards, Kenny Molotov’s Elite Card Technique may be the course for you. If you’re looking to turn professional, Michael Harrington’s Magic MasterClass includes tips on how to do this.

Read our mini reviews below to get the full details!

Best Online Magic Course Reviews

1. Matt McGurk teaches How to do Magic Tricks & Easy Card Tricks for Beginners (Udemy)

Platform: Udemy  | Teacher: Matt McGurk | Course length: 54 video lectures totalling 2 hours and 15 minutes

Matt McGurk is one of the most sought after illusionists in the UK, a member of the Magic Circle and a magician with over ten ‘Outstanding Achievement’ awards to his name. He has been performing professionally all over the world for 15 years and has held the title of British Magical Champion. When not performing, Matt hosts workshops and has lectured at the Magic Circle in London.

You’ll learn to: 

• Master simple card tricks and coin tricks
• Handle cards – basic and fancy shuffles, cuts and how to deal
• Appear to mind read
• Perform tricks anywhere with common place objects
• Practice and perform effectively
• Get to grips with the mechanics behind tricks so you can expand your creativity

Pros

• The opportunity to learn from a British Champion magician and experienced coach
• Progressive structure that provides a solid foundation and builds skills incrementally
• Lots of tricks that you can master quickly for a killer reaction
• Has a ‘pro skills’ section that helps to take your tricks to the next level
• A very comprehensive guide to magic for beginners
• The nuts and bolts of every trick are fully explained
• Online Support via Q&A and Online Forum 
• Lots of fun

Cons

•  Is targeted at beginners (though if that’s you this is not a con)

Who it is for:  The course is designed for those at the start of their magical journey. Anyone who has always wanted to learn for fun, or as a serious hobby, will benefit as it provides a secure bedrock of skills that you can continue to develop and build. 

Student feedback: “Matt is funny, professional, charming, but most of all, a very strong educator. Buy the course.” Udemy Feedback

Overall:  A really comprehensive and well taught class from a highly accomplished magician. Matt’s teaching style and the range of tricks included make this class one of our top choices.

2. Penn and Teller teach the Art of Magic (MasterClass)

Platform: MasterClass  | Teachers: Penn and Teller | Course length: 17 video lessons lasting 2 hours and 53 minutes

Penn & Teller are a legendary duo who have been conjuring together for nearly half a century. They’ve dazzled live audiences from Broadway to Vegas, been frequent guests on multiple TV shows and hosted their own award winning TV specials. In this MasterClass, they pull back the curtain to share some of the secrets behind their world beating magical performances.

You’ll learn to: 

• Master the art of sleight of hand and misdirection
• Impress your friends with a range of cool card, coin, and rope magic tricks
• Understand the mechanics of every trick you learn
• Customize tricks and routines to make them your own 
• Appreciate how Penn & Teller think about magic

Pros

• An opportunity to learn from not just two – but thanks to a guest appearance – three of the best in the business
• Covers a range of tricks – cup and ball, card, coin and rope tricks
• Many tricks require no specialist equipment and can be performed anywhere
• Well structured class that builds skills incrementally and boosts progress
• Great balance of theory and practice
• Enormously fun and entertaining
• Input from the late Johnny Thompson
• See how the tricks can be developed with footage from live shows
• Cinematic quality video production with clear, multi angle close ups

Cons

• Penn & Teller suggest this course is for all skill levels, but in our opinion beginners and intermediates will benefit most

Who it is for:  Most suited to those interested in learning a broad range of quick and impressive tricks that can be performed anywhere using little (or no) specialist equipment. Plus anyone more experienced who’s looking for inspiration to sharpen up their act. And, of course, fans of Penn and Teller.

Student feedback: “Just finished binge-watching the whole thing. AMAZING. Just AMAZING. I really miss Johnny Thompson, RIP. His stuff in it was Amazing. By the end, you go inside the brain of a professional magician working on creating a new trick. Really eye opening. Loved it. Penn & Teller are the GOAT” Comment from YouTube

Overall:  Penn & Teller are considered by many to be among the best magicians alive. This is a rare opportunity to learn the tricks they believe are the most important ones to develop your skills and build an impressive routine. Get the mental cues and tips Penn & Teller themselves use when performing

Read our full Penn and Teller MasterClass review

3. Sergio Sastre teaches The Complete Magic Masterclass (Udemy)   

Platform: Udemy | Teacher: Sergio Sastre  | Course length: 7 Sections with 37 lessons lasting 1 hour and 59 minutes

Sergio Sastre has been performing magic professionally for five years. He’s appeared on various live stages, including international festivals, and on television, and has been awarded the status of Magic Champion in five US states.

You’ll learn to: 

• Perform a wide range of different tricks quickly
• Use magic anywhere with everyday objects
• Customize your own tricks and routines
• Get tips on performance designed to stun your audience
• Handle a deck of cards like a pro

Pros

• Learn to perform tiny miracles with little, or no, specialist equipment
• Tips to create your own original tricks
• Get started quickly and build to more advanced tricks
• Teaches you why the tricks work and how to make them even more powerful
• Shows the tricks being performed with an audience
• Membership to a private Facebook group so you can keep learning and sharing
• Good quality video production 

Cons

• Would benefit from a few more close ups of the card manipulations
• Is of greater benefit to beginners than experienced practitioners 

Who it is for:  Anyone interested in learning magic from basic to more advanced material. The course covers a wide range of versatile tricks and explains the mechanics behind them so you can add your own spin and make them even more impressive. 

Student feedback: “Very well organised, clear but most importantly helpful and useful. I’ve done other magic courses which were chaotic and useless that cost a lot more money… Definitely worth it and recommendable. I will share it with my friends and family!” Udemy feedback

Overall:  A fun, fast paced class that equips you with the skills you need to perform tricks, anywhere at any time.  You’ll learn what works, how and why, and be able to personalize what you learn into your own unique routine.  You can get started very quickly with almost no practice and once you are confident, you can up your game with more advanced techniques.

4. Tim Domsky teaches Sleight of Hand Magic (Skillshare)

Platform: SkillShare | Teacher: Tim Domsky  | Course length: 19 video lessons totalling 38 minutes

Tim Domsky has been performing magic for 10 years. For Tim, there’s nothing more rewarding than putting someone into a state of wonder. And it’s something he believes we all have the power to do.

You’ll learn to: 

• Perform a range of sleight of hand tricks
• Create magic with cards, coins and everyday objects
• Handle cards like a pro
• Understand what makes tricks work and how to adapt them

Pros

• Covers a range of sleight of hand tricks including card tricks and tricks with everyday objects
• Many require no specialist equipment and can be performed anywhere
• Tricks are explained fully and thoroughly
• There are tips for personalizing tricks
• Enormously fun and entertaining
• Performs the basis for a more advanced course (Advanced Card Magic – see below)

Cons

• Focuses strongly on beginners – which isn’t a con if that’s you 
• A very short class at only 38 minutes

Who it is for:  

Student feedback: “I really like Tim. His class was my first and I was really surprised. I’ve tried all the effects he has shown in the class and baffled a few of my friends. The instructions are clear, easy to follow and to perform.” SkillShare Review

Overall:  A short course that nevertheless packs a lot in. You will learn a range of techniques that you can adapt and personalize and have a sound basis that you can build on with a more advanced class (reviewed next).

5. Tim Domsky teaches Advanced Card Magic and More (Skillshare)

Platform: SkillShare | Teacher: Tim Domsky  | Course length: 31 video lessons totalling 2 hours and 2 minutes

You’ll learn to: 

• Perform advanced card sleights
• Create more complex magical effects with everyday objects
• Appreciate the psychological aspects of performance
• Improve your performance skills

Pros

• Caters for intermediate practitioners who want to up their skill level
• Tricks are explained fully and thoroughly
• Provides stretch and challenge
• Shows tricks being performed in front of spectators
• Slow motion clips improve your learning experience

Cons

• Strong (but not exclusive) focus on card sleights
• You do need the skills taught in Sleight of Hand Magic (above)

Who it is for:  Anyone interested in more advanced card principles and magic effects. It is ideal for those who have taken Tim’s first class (Sleight of Hand Magic) or who have already mastered basic sleight of hand techniques. It also offers insights into the psychology and theory behind the performance of magic that will enhance your performance.

Student feedback: “Just amazing thanks for that class.” SkillShare Review

Overall:  A more challenging course that builds on existing sleight of hand skills to teach a range of card sleights and magical effects with everyday objects. Also discusses performance techniques and important psychological aspects of misdirection.

6. Jeremy Pasternak teaches Sophisticated Magic for Sophisticated Adults (Udemy)   

Platform: Udemy  | Teacher: Jeremy Pasternak  | Course length: 15 video lessons totalling 1 hour and 9 minutes

Jeremy Pasternak has been a magic professional in New York for 12 years. He’s performed at private parties, functions, dinners and for corporate clients, and he’s held teaching workshops for six years. 

You’ll learn to: 

• Perform six cool magic tricks
• Use ordinary objects as well as cards so you can perform anywhere
• Understand how and why tricks work so you can transfer the skills and develop your own routine

Pros

• Covers a range of sleight of hand tricks including card tricks and tricks with commonplace items
• Tricks are explained fully and thoroughly
• Bonus tricks have been added

Cons

• Very focussed on the beginner 
• Quite a short class

Who it is for:  Those new to magic who want some fun every day tricks to perform anywhere, anytime.

Student feedback: “ This was a fantastic course for a beginner! The extras were ab fab!.” Udemy feedback

Overall:  A fairly short course which is nevertheless great for giving you enough to get started on your magical journey. The explanations behind the tricks enable you to personalize them and develop more complex routines.

7. Kenny Molotov Teaches Beginners Elite Card Technique  

Platform: Udemy  | Teacher: Kenny Molotov | Course length: 43 video lessons totalling 3 hours and 11 minutes

Kenny Molotov has been a professional magician for over 15 years. Cards are his magical weapon of choice, card magic is in his blood.

You’ll learn to: 

• Master 10 jaw dropping card tricks
• Handle cards like a pro including multiple shuffles, cuts and fans
• Keep cards under control
• Overcome nerves and get the trick done in front of an audience

Pros

• Teaching from someone with 15 years of performing card magic
• No previous experience of handling cards needed
• Actionable tips for gaining confidence in front of an audience
• Includes a variety of card handling techniques as well as ten card tricks
• The nitty gritty of every trick fully explained
• Follows a progressive, structured format

Cons

•  Focuses exclusively on card magic

Who it is for: Anyone who wants to learn card magic from the ground up, astonish their friends and family, and overcome performance nerves

Student feedback: “ I was a complete beginner when I took this course. This course taught me so much. Now I can do magic in front of people. The course does exactly what it says. It really does teach you 10 jaw-dropping tricks. They are so astonishing and people are just absolutely stunned when they see you doing the tricks taught in this course! I would recommend it to anyone who would like to learn magic! I loved it!” Udemy Feedback

Overall:  A course that takes you from unboxing a set of cards all the way up to 10 amazing tricks. Well structured to build skills and confidence in an incremental way and all techniques are fully demonstrated and explained.

8. Kenny Molotov teaches Intermediate Elite Card Technique

Platform: Udemy  | Teacher: Kenny Molotov  | Course length: 38 video lessons totalling 2 hours and 38 minutes

You’ll learn to: 

• Master more intricate card moves that are crucial to any card trick repertoire
• Perform double lifts, forces, culls and color changes
• Acquire solid tools to make amazing card effects and tricks happen
• 8 amazing card tricks

Pros

• Teaching from someone with 15 years of performing card magic
• Expands the repertoire of someone with basic skills
• Includes a variety of intermediate card handling techniques as well as card tricks
• The nitty gritty of every trick fully explained
• Follows a progressive, structured format

Cons

• Does repeat some of the moves from Elite Card Technique 1- but in far less detail
• You will get more value if you have taken the first course, or have already mastered some basic card techniques

Who it is for:  This course is specifically designed to build on skills acquired in Elite Card Techniques 1. Though it covers the fundamentals again, it does so in less detail. So it is best suited to those who have already mastered basic card handling techniques.

Student feedback: “Great course: I took the beginner and intermediate and both are excellent. Look forward to an Advanced course with more card handling and shuffling techniques.” Udemy Feedback

Overall:  A good course that is well structured to build on existing basic card skills. All techniques and moves carefully demonstrated and the tricks are fully explained so you can understand how and why they work and use that knowledge to personalize them.

9. Michael Harrington teaches Magic MasterClass: Learn the Secrets and Tips to Make Money  

Platform: Udemy  | Teacher: Michael Harrington | Course length: 39 video lessons totalling 2 hours and 45 minutes

Michael Harrington has earned a living as a magician for eleven years. He performs at private functions as well as corporate events. Loving his work as he does, his goal is to teach others everything they need to start a career in magic.

You’ll learn to: 

• Perform a range of tricks using cards, coins and everyday objects
• Develop confidence to perform to strangers 
• Engage an audience with actionable tips
• Adopt strategies to approach venues and make money with magic
• Market and promote your act

Pros

• Micahel also offers a completely free introductory course on Udemy (Learn Free Magic Tricks) so you can check out his teaching style and get a head start for this course
• Covers a range of fully explained tricks with a variety of objects
• Goes beyond practicing magic to what you need to know to earn money from it

Cons

•  Time spent teaching business strategy is time lost teaching tricks

Who it is for: Most suited to those with some basic skills who want to up their game and are considering working professionally with magic. 

Student feedback:.”This course is fantastic!! I really am informed now how to perform a few tricks for friends and if I want to go further I can. Michael is a great teacher / performer. Well worth your time to take this course!” Udemy Feedback

Overall:  An interesting course that will teach you some great tricks, but which also provides useful tips on getting into the business professionally and earning money. Being able to take a free course with Michael first is a great pro, as you can see if you like his style before committing – as well as gain the basic skills you need to get maximum value from the paid course.

10. Aaron Fisher teaches the 3M Course (MiracleMagicTraining)   

Platform: Miracle magic training | Teacher: Aaron Fisher | Course length: This is a six week course

Aaron Fisher is a professional magician and author of several books on the practice of magic. He pioneered the ‘Online Magic Training’ space and is the creator of hit magic tricks like PANIC and MACHINE. What he is most well known for, however, is his abilities using his unique Miracle Man Method. 

You will learn:

• A huge range of amazing close up magic tricks, sleights and techniques
• Secrets that can’t be found in most books
• The power of misdirection
• The psychology of why things work
• Ideas, methods and strategies to improve performance
• And whatever you personally want to know from live Skype coaching sessions
• How to navigate the books and other resources that are widely available

Pros

• 30 hours of core video training covering everything needed to build your own close up magic routine quickly
• 48 additional Alpha and Master effects and routines
• 6 live Skype coaching calls with Aaron
• Access to pre-recorded Q&A sessions to speed up your learning
• Private online forum 
• Lifetime access to the 3M community and member bonuses

Cons

• You need to register your interest and wait for the programme to open
• Strong focus on cards
• Fairly expensive

Who it is for: Anyone, regardless of their skill level, with a serious commitment to investing in their magical future. Beginners will make fast progress with the system, those with more experience will gain a ‘reboot’ and experience sustained growth.

Student feedback: “Probably the best thing about Aaron’s teaching is that he really does give you the nuts and bolts of how a piece of magic works – not just the method, but also why he performs it the way he does. He holds nothing back in anything he teaches, to make sure you’re getting every last bit clear”

Overall: The 3M system not only shows you what to learn and how to practice, but how to choose and tweak material so it’s personally right for you. It also provides a guide through the labyrinth of tricks, books and resources that are readily available. The coaching calls with Aaron will allow you to address specific needs and get your magic machine up and running

What are the advantages of taking a magic course?

Well, there are plenty:

• Learn a series of really cool tricks
• Impress your friends and family
• Understand how famous tricks and performed so you can personalize your act
• Develop a lifelong skill
• Learn tricks that can be performed anywhere anytime
• Great ice breakers

Buyers guide: what to look out for in a Magic Class

Choosing a magic class that’s right for you can be confusing, so we recommend you consider the following points before making your purchase:

• Experience and calibre of the instructor— if you’re going to spend your time and money on an online magic class, you should ensure you’re learning from someone with considerable experience an ability to share that experience in a relatable way
• Develops skills – an online magic course shouldn’t be just about learning magic tricks. The right class will teach you about the inner workings behind the magic and share skills and techniques that will make you a confident, independent and adventurous performer
• Great tricks – Of course you do want to learn to perform some tricks! So you need to be sure that  the tricks included are the sorts of things you want to learn. For example, if you want to focus on card tricks – make sure the course you choose does just that. 
• Syllabus and skill level – Ensure that what’s on offer is what you’re looking for! Are you looking for a broad course or to focus on one particular area? 
• Price – obviously you’ll want to choose something that’s in budget. But it’s important to consider the value you’re getting too. If one course is twice as much as another (and still in budget) but is longer, and taught by someone with 10x more experience the extra cost could generate more value in the end.

While you’re here, why not check out our list of the best online Numerology courses or our list of the best Astrology courses.

How much do online Magic Classes cost?

Prices for individual Udemy or SkillShare classes mentioned in this review vary between $20-$90. Even at the top end, this is cheaper than in person training.

And they represent even better value if you calculate them on an hourly basis – and factor in that you’re developing a fun skill as well as giving a big boost to your creative and problem solving abilities.

In terms of MasterClass, prices for an annual pass to the platform is around the $180 mark. Your subscription gives you unlimited access to all the available classes on that platform for a year. And the more courses you take, the better the value you get. 

In the long run, if you’re serious about learning a subscription can save you money. And on a platform like MasterClass where you are learning from global leaders in their fields, the value for money is unbeatable.

How long does it take to learn Magic online?

Courses in this review vary in length from 38 minutes to six weeks!

Those that are designed to be taken over several weeks already build in practice time.

For shorter courses, you need to account for practice. A general rule would be to take the length of the course and multiply by 5 (which accounts for practice hours) to get a feel for how long you need to put aside to learn this skill.

And remember, you can view and revisit the videos at your own pace. 

In addition to that, all the courses we have mentioned provide printable resources that you can keep for permanent reference.

How do we rank our results?

We rank our results based on which courses we believe to be the best. 

Inevitably, this is subjective. But the factors we consider are:

• The experience of the teacher
• Provides transferable skills
• Has a strong, varied syllabus
• Is well taught and explained
• Student feedback
• Quality of production
• Overall impressions 

Where we can, we complete the courses in order to review them. Where this is not possible we do extensive research on the course, its syllabus and student feedback. 

Conclusion

If you’re looking to learn Magic online, you’re spoilt for choice.

MasterClass is an interesting option as you get the opportunity to learn from Penn & Teller plus an all access pass enables you to take any, or all, of the 100+ courses available. All taught by world leading experts in a whole host of other categories, including cooking, music, film making, writing and more.

However, if you want to focus exclusively on magic, there are plenty of individual courses on Udemy and SkillShare and we’ve tried to distil the best of the bunch here, but in summary:

Matt McGurk is our top choice. For dipping a quick magical toe in the water, Tim Domsky’s Sleight of Hand course will get you started on your journey in under an hour . If your magical weapon of choice is cards, Kenny Molotov’s Elite Card Technique may be the course for you. And both Tim and Kenny’s more advanced classes are reviewed above. If you’re looking to turn professional, Michael Harrington’s Magic MasterClass includes tips on how to do this.

Hopefully, this article has helped you figure out which is the best online magic class for you!.

Frequently asked questions