In 2017, at the age of 54, I took up magic as a hobby. That hobby has since grown and now I’m considered a semi-professional. Getting to this level would not have been possible without some very important mentors. I’d like to publicly share my experiences with them in the hopes of inspiring you to find a mentor and establish your own professional relationships, no matter your industry or field.
Put together a list of top 10 magicians in the world and my current mentor, Jeff McBride, would surely be on it. Jeff has performed magic his entire life. So dedicated and committed is he to helping others learn their craft, he opened a school in Las Vegas that teaches magicians how to become better technicians and performers. He provides insights and guidance tailor-made for my specific goals and aspirations, and he has really accelerated my learning curve. Without his letting me learn through his experience and seeing magic through his eyes, I would not be at the level I am today, regularly performing at various magic venues and in theatres on the East Coast.
I know I am not Jeff’s only student, but when we meet each month, he sure makes me feel like I am. Jeff regularly offers me feedback and constructive criticism and helps me identify areas for improvement with both my technical performance of each magic effect and the showmanship required to dazzle an audience with that effect. His unwavering support and encouragement have only served to boost my self-confidence and belief in my abilities.
Jeff likes to say that a goal not written down is merely a wish. And so, each January, he has me write down my goals for the coming year and we review them together. Then, through the course of that year, he helps me achieve them! He has helped me map out a clear path towards my own aspirations while breaking some of those larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. He also holds me accountable by assigning “homework” and having me apply what I have learned in my next performance, even reviewing and discussing videos of my performances – all to make me better a better performer.
Jeff has helped me to build my network by introducing me (usually through e-mail or text message) to magicians in his network who he believes can help me in my learning. Then, when he and I come back together the following month, we talk about what I have learned.
But it’s not just about the practical stuff. Jeff is also a source of inspiration and motivation. Knowing that he believes in my potential and is invested in my success helps me through those times when I feel like giving up. He has been teacher, coach, director, and listener. He provides a safe space for me to discuss my ideas, brainstorm ways to make an effect stronger, while fostering my personal growth. Jeff has been my mentor since 2020. Without him, I would not have achieved so much in such little time.
Scott Alexander
During the pandemic, Scott and I collaborated on a magic “trick” which we created together and marketed to other magicians. Through that process, I was amazed by Scott’s precision for detail, his pursuit of excellence, and his determination for magicians to always perform good magic. That is what he wanted. I have the privilege of having performed with – and being friends with several other magicians whom he has guided along the way.
Sadly, we lost Scott at the young age of 52 nearly one year ago. Who knows what contributions he would have made to the profession of magic? Sadly, we will never know. Rest in peace, my friend!
