"I had a hunger for the art and I wanted to learn everything and perfect it. I had received a good foundation in my early years and I had studied with the best, which led me to create and perfect my own style of techniques for my close-up and stage performances."

"I was able to live at home with my parents, who supported me both financially and emotionally every step of the way, in which I will always be in debt to them, and because of this, I did not have to hold down a full-time job which afforded me the chance to think and understand the art of magic."

"I believe that sleight-of- hand when accompanied with beautiful music creates personality, which is a reflection of our soul. Slydini always said, magic comes from one's soul, and it wasn't until recently that I discovered what he meant. Each of us has a unique personality, which should shine through in our magic, if it doesn't then we are just performing tricks which usually cost about $1.99. When our souls shine through, we are able to touch others souls. Each of us has a unique capacity to help others to discover their colors in their very own rainbow and for any of us who do this through the art of magic should be considered the luckiest people on the face of this earth."

Rocco was already an artist when he started studying with me. Artists are artists, Right?

His dedication and unmatched devotion to our art was not only an

We are never given a dream, without also being given the power to make it come true.

To witness the magic, the dexterity and the gracefulness of Rocco, is to witness that dream come true.

Rocco became fascinated with the art of magic at the age of 19 while attending college. He was pursuing a course of study which would eventually lead him to work as a spy for the Central Intelligence Agency. Rocco recalls, "looking back it must have been the magic of James Bond that I became intrigued by while working as a store detective with John Lucich. John was a sleight-of-hand artist who was presently studying under Slydini. I had never heard of Slydini, but John told me he was the best and he told me of another great by the name of Dai Vernon.
When John first demonstrated his art of magic before my very eyes, I didn't realize it then, but he had planted a seed that would grow beyond my imagination.

At that time I left college to study under John. I became so involved in the art of magic, that I was fired from my position for practicing on the job. It was then that I embarked on what would soon be my new career, and I began to perform at local clubs."

"During this time I met Bill Wisch, who was also a student of Slydini's. While studying with Bill I began to acquire a strong foundation in timing and misdirection. I was so amazed by the techniques that I asked Bill to arrange a meeting with Slydini so I could become a student of the master himself. Slydini had refused saying that he was not accepting any new students at the time." It was then Bill told Slydini, "You've got to meet this kid. I've never seen someone so nuts over magic."Slydini then arranged a meeting in his New York apartment. Within 30 minutes of talking to Rocco, Slydini said he had never met anyone so intrigued by magic and he accepted Rocco as his student.