The best magic teachers are good performers, and Jeff McBride ranks among the best. The type of teaching you receive from a working performer is stripped of all rote and boredom and pipe dreams. Jeff offers only methods that work, and not just work, but play well in performance. What is most impressive is the energy that Jeff marshals to make students better. It's the same excited energy that one would expect he might marshal to put together a new show for himself. Although I didn't use all of the ideas that Jeff offered me, that doesn't matter to him. What matters is that I have choice among the many ideas that he generates, and that I have a shot at putting together a great show. Jeff offered me so many great ideas that it was an embarrassment of riches. How seldom students of any sort have the opportunity to study under one of the greats in their field. This, however, is one of those opportunities. Jump at it.