From the November 2nd article "
The Story Behind the Palming Series" at Michael Close's website:
Looking back on
the skill sets I’ve used to make a living during my life (magic, jazz
piano, writing/editing), I realize that most of what I know about those
subjects I figured out by myself, without any formal training. I did
have an excellent high school English teacher my senior year; I received
degrees in music theory and composition; and my time spent with Harry
Riser was invaluable. But I grew up isolated in a farming community in
the middle of Indiana; books were my
mentors, and I studied everything I could get my hands on. As I absorbed
that information, I was also unconsciously absorbing the process of
learning how to teach myselfthe information.
My
father provided inspiration as I did this. He came from industry, and
for twenty-two years he taught in the mechanical engineering technology
department at the Purdue campus in Indianapolis. His great gift was as a
teacher; he understood how to break down information and impart it
effectively. I learned from his example.
Read more.