It seems that the human race has lost a great deal of the ancient science of magic, but if there remains any magic, it is music. Music, beside power, is intoxication. When it intoxicates those who hear, how much it must intoxicate those who play or sing themselves! And how much more must it intoxicate those who have touched the perfection of music and have meditated on it for years and years. It gives them an even greater joy and exaltation than a king feels sitting on his throne.
– Hazrat Inayat Khan
Today, our Museletter comes to us from Abigail McBride.
Greetings Magical Friends,
Abigail here, taking a break from practicing my music, and writing from the House of Mystery in Las Vegas. I would like to invite you, right here and right now, to slow down for a moment, to give yourself the gift of a deep, gentle breath, and pause for a moment in your day.
So often, we are rushing from one moment to the next, pursuing our dreams and fulfilling our responsibilities, so caught up in the “Oh, and then, I gotta remember to…†that we nearly miss the moments we are actually in.
So, here, then, is a gentle reminder, a whisper across the pixels and through the web, for you to simply breathe for a moment or two, and come back to this moment, with all the gifts and lessons it has to offer.
I’ve heard it said that the breath is a metaphor, and how we breathe reflects a great deal of how we live, how much we really allow ourselves to receive and to release in any given moment.
The other day, I was reading an article that suggested we “drink air,†meaning that we sip in all the air we can with each inhalation, learning to completely use all of our lungs, and noticing the effect that more air moving into and out of our bodies has on us, as a whole.
In the same article, I read the suggestion to “breathe water,†meaning to keep a glass of water nearby, and to sip on it throughout the day, maintaining our hydration and keeping ourselves “in the flow.â€
“Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice.â€
-Anonymous
I am deeply fortunate to have such a wonderful man to practice growing in love with. This August will mark 15 years that we’ve been married, and we continue to deepen and grow more in love each day. Saying “I do,†to him was one of the best choices I’ve ever made; one I am grateful for, every day.
I continue to deepen into my various practices, of music, meditation, and dance. I am also putting more energy into giving and receiving appreciation, tuning into gratitude, and becoming ever more mindful of the simple things, like eating, drinking water, walking and breathing.
May it be so, for you, too.
Your friend in magic,
Abigail
FOCUS POKUS!
Dear Friends:
Last month, I shared my thoughts on goal setting. Now, we move on to the next step: realizing those goals. Our resident wizard and manager, Tobias Beckwith, recently shared this inspired quote about focus.
Meet Leo Babauta. He is a writer and modern day Merlin; a real wizard at synthesizing ideas. Today we learn from him “HOW TO FOCUS.”
One of the keys to success and happiness is sharing time with “the right people.” Positive influences and great teachers are two of the main ingredients to a successful career. My core team is Tobias, Eugene, Larry, and Abigail. There are a few other teachers and friends who have also changed my life for the better! You can meet our extended team here:
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/teachers
In fact, you can meet all of us when you visit. It is our joy to share our wisdom and experience with you! We have a few new ideas for you. Here is one we are working on this spring:
MAGIC & MYSTERY SCHOOL SPRING TRAINING
“Take the leap from the minor league to the Major League!”
Enjoy three exciting NEW Classes- 3 Unique, 2 Day Classes
May 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 2016
Las Vegas, Nevada
1. Cards: Close-up, Parlor & Stage
2. The Classics of Parlor Magic
3. Grand Illusions & Portable Illusions
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events
Imagine yourself receiving hands-on, personal instruction by some of the top experts in the world of magic.
Drop us an email when you visit Las Vegas. Stop in for a Private session. Did you know that we that we now offer daily, weekly, private and small group sessions?
For more information, please contact Abigail at (702) 450-0021 or Abigail@McBrideMagic.com
World Tour News
Our friend, Jay Fortune, is arranging a great 2-day FOCUS CLASS near London. Join us in Hertfordshire, UK
Mario Morris and Veronica will produce our ONLY 3-DAY MASTER CLASS in Glastonbury, UK. Join Eugene Burger & Jeff McBride for a life-changing event!
https://www.schoolofbusking.com/3-day-master-class-copy/
Vegas WONDERGROUND NEWS!
February 18th is our next WONDERGROUND. Doors will open at 7:30pm at The Olive, located at 3850 East Sunset Rd., Las Vegas, NV. There is a $20 admission. ONLY $10 for locals. The best deal in Vegas!
The Early Stage show begins at 8:00 pm. The Close Up show starts at 9:00 pm. The Late Stage show begins promptly at 10:00 pm. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to ensure seating for the shows.Â
Here are the fabulous artists and performers you can expect to see at this month’s WONDERGROUND!
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2016
8PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Will Bradshaw MC
Iam Creed – Radioactive magic
Jac Hayden – “Jac the Grate”
Tim Shegitz – A Slicker Trickster
Adam Flowers – The Master of Mischief
Jason Bird and Melanie – A Magical Story
9PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Christian Diamond MC
Tim Shegitz – Conuring with comedy & style
Scott Steelfyre – The Enigmatist
MonDre – His hands are quicker than your eye
10PMÂ Â Â Tim Wise MC
Les Contortionettes – TWO of a kind..but really ONE of a kind!
Sonny Fontana – Our friend is back in action, come support his return!
Adam Flowers – Mischief with mystery
Randilyn – Queen of Escape
MonDre – Las Vegas Magic Star
PLUS:Â Bar Magic with Zack Pattee and Scott Steelfyre, Iam Creed, and Randilyn. Photography with Sheryl Garrett. The NWR-Tribal Belly Dance Troupe, Psychic Sideshow with Alan Scott, live art with Areeya and Suzanne and many more surprises and special celebrity guests!!
Magically yours,
Jeff McBride
Dear friends:
Our guest author this month is Lynn Miner. Many of you know him already, but for those who don’t, we are extremely happy to have him with us. Lynn has been the driving force behind our efforts to form a non-profit “Institute for Magic Education,†which will help us raise funding for more scholarships, and for several new forms of outreach to the wider community, and for other magicians around the world. It will serve as a kind of magic service organization which will help magicians everywhere reach out to serve the communities in which they live. Lynn will be President and Director of Development for the new organization. I know you will, as we do, find Lynn to be a wonderful addition to the team.
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From Dr. Lynn Miner:
As a former university professor and graduate school dean who is now heavily involved in the Mystery School, I know a “School†when I see one. I look at four features: the faculty, the curricula, the dissemination strategies, and the students.
The core teaching faculty at the McBride Magic & Mystery School – Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Larry Hass, Tobias Beckwith, Bryce Kuhlman, and Abigail McBride – have a cumulative 223 years of experience in magic. They’ve published 17 books and 33 DVDs, plus numerous articles and magic effects. Their bookcases are out of shelf space housing domestic and international awards. They practice what they teach by performing in all kinds of venues, ranging from stage, parlor, close-up, street, and television.
This is not your “I’ll send you a great DVD and you can call me with questions†pedagogy. No siree. The Mystery School has a solid curricula of nine established courses, conferences, and seminars:
These nine classes are offered on a regular schedule. In addition, special topics courses are offered periodically, such as Building Your Business as a Magician (how to get your career in gear) and Mask, Mime and Magic. All classes are taught by our team of experienced core faculty who provide extensive individual attention and coaching. What students learn is a strategic blend of theory and practice. You are encouraged (but not required to) present your own ten minute act, which is videotaped and then critiqued by the Mystery School Faculty. Where else can you gain the constructive critique of world-class professionals in a safe, non-threatening environment? It doesn’t matter where you are in your magic career – novice, amateur, part-time professional, or full time pro—the Mystery School will take you to the next level – and beyond.
The Mystery School recognizes that its students of all ages have different learning styles and available time to refine their magic skills. Accordingly, the Mystery School disseminates its vast reservoir of magic knowledge in multiple formats.
Beyond the regularly scheduled classes (listed above), individualized training is available in person or online. Additionally, a one-hour TV program is presented every Monday night at 7:00pm (PST). Further, bi-weekly Museletters (electronic Magic Newsletters) keep magicians up-to-date on the latest trends and happening in the field.
The success of students is the ultimate litmus test of the quality of any school. The Mystery School shines in this department.
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Mat Franco: 2014 AGT Winner
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Recent students have fooled Penn and Teller and won America’s Got Talent. They’ve performed at the world prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood. In sum, over 15,000 students from the U.S. and 34 different countries have seen the Mystery School transform their magic – and their life. We continually ask our students about their experiences at the Mystery School: “What did you get out of your Mystery School experience?†|
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Penn and Teller: Fool Us TV Show
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Student answers cluster into five categories.
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Suzanne Fooled Penn & Teller and Performed at World Famous Magic Castle
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While people attend the Mystery School for many different reasons, the one constant outcome is change–personally and professionally.
This has been the constant mission of the McBride Magic & Mystery School since 1991, namely, to deliver a transformative magic education experience in a safe environment that fosters discovery, achievement, and serious play. In essence, the Mystery School can transform your magic and your life. |
Some students are financially postured to underwrite their Mystery School tuition and travel expenses. Other students find the total expenses are beyond their financial boundaries. Accordingly, they apply for need-based scholarships to help underwrite their total school expenses.
Scholarship application forms are available at http://www.magicalwisdom.com/scholarships. To date, over $30,000 scholarship dollars have been awarded to students experiencing financial need.
If you have questions about Mystery School classes or scholarship, feel free to contact me at Lynn@McBrideMagic.com. As Director of Development at the Mystery School, my role is to serve as a facilitator between you and the School. How can I help you right now?
At present, the majority of the scholarship funding comes from the annual membership subscriptions and donations to the McBride Magic & Mystery School. While those funds are most welcomed and appreciated, indeed needed, they have not kept pace with the growing requests for scholarship support. We are experiencing a spiraling gap between our requests for financial support and our available resources to honor those requests. As a result, we will soon be launching a new initiative to strengthen our financial footing. But you can help – NOW.
Whether it comes to booking gigs or raising philanthropic dollars, developing networks and linkages are key. You can help the Mystery School systematically expanding by suggesting referrals. Who do you know that might share our “values glasses?†Call me (Lynn Miner) at 414-352-9312 or email me at Lynn@McBrideMagic.com
Quite simply, your help is needed to create even more magic educational options and opportunities for performing artists of all ages. Fortunately, there are endless big and small ways you can help. There is literally a job for everyone. The McBride Magic & Mystery School has come a long way in the last twenty-five years and we thank you for joining us in this unrivaled cause.
P.S. My answer to the headline question: “Yes, because of its faculty, curricula, dissemination strategies, and students, the McBride Magic & Mystery School is THE premiere Magic School in the world.”
Dear Friends:
Have you heard? The Magic & Mystery School team will be touring in the U.K. as part of our 25th Year Anniversary Celebration! Jeff McBride, Larry Hass and Eugene Burger will travel, teach and perform together throughout the tour, just a few weeks from now.
Things kick off at the world’s largest magic convention, in Blackpool, from February 19-21. Following that will be a four-city lecture/workshop tour through the cities of Manchester (22nd), Birmingham (23rd), Wolverhampton (24th), and Blackpool (25th). If you live in or near one of those cities, contact your local magic club, who will be sponsoring those events. The convention and this initial 4-city tour is being arranged by our long-time friend Derek Lever.
After that segment comes something really special. We’ll be hosted by our friend Jay Fortune for:
THREE INCREDIBLE, EXCLUSIVE EVENTS which will be happening in Hertfordshire, UK on Sat 27th & Sun 28th February, 2016. AND YOU COULD BE THERE – SEE OUR COMPETITION BELOW! Let’s focus on ‘FOCUS ON’!
Join Eugene Burger, Jeff McBride and Lawrence Hass for 2 days of EXCLUSIVE lectures, workshops and shows that will NOT be shown anywhere else in the UK, on their 2016 Mystery School tour. Limited to small numbers, these Focus Events will allow you to share quality time with these magic masters. You’ll learn the art and business of magic from masters of the craft. Get close-up and personal at these exclusive Focus Events with all-inclusive shows, lectures, workshops and more.
These Events will be unique with new material which will NOT be seen at Blackpool or anywhere else in the UK in 2016. Book your place now for an unforgettable magic experience. It’s rare to have these three Masters of Magic together, so make sure you don’t miss out. A weekend of stunning magical teaching, inspiration and hands-on workshops await you. In addition you will receive a FREE MASTER-KEY package to unlock exclusive content unavailable elsewhere, by Jeff, Eugene and Lawrence, giving you online access to lectures, magic talks and much, much more WORTH OVER $300! PLUS hand-outs and more!
FOCUS on Parlour & Stage Magic. (workshop)
Saturday 27th February 2016. 11am-10pm.
This full day of magical teaching focuses on parlour and stage performance. With a saturated close-up market, magicians who have a strong repertoire of parlour and stage magic are ahead of the crowd, earning bigger fees and more prestigious gigs. Learn the business-side of how to get this kind of work, as well as how to structure a commercial parlour and stage show. The day includes a late lunch, lectures, workshops, break-out groups, hands-on teaching… and then you’ll watch the Mystery School at work as they present a full evening show ‘Masters of Magic’ to a public audience.
TICKET & INFO:Â https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mystery-school-focus-on-parlour-stage-magic-tickets-18796824809
Masters of Magic (show).
One night only. Saturday 27th February, 2016. Starring Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger and Lawrence Hass. An incredible family magic show featuring stunning illusions, comedy and fun. Don’t miss this chance to see the Mystery School at work in their only three-man public show on their UK Tour! 100% of ticket sales goes to animal conservation charities; FOPWP and WHF. Venue: The Marquee, Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 7QA. Doors: 7pm. Bar facilities. Event finishes at 11pm. Free parking on-site. ‘Masters of Magic’ is a ‘Magic Moments’ show produced and organised by Jay Fortune and Kenny Roberts. TICKETS & INFO: https://masters-of-magic.eventbrite.co.uk
FOCUS on Mentalism, Bizarre & Story-Telling Magic (workshop).
Sunday 28th February 2016. 11am-7pm. (Optional after-show gathering/dinner. 8pm-10pm)
The second full day of magical teaching with a focus on mentalism, bizarre and story-telling performances. Delving deep into magical drama, scripting, theatre and delivery. Having an understanding of how to present these forms of magic routines will elevate you and your performances to a whole new level. Then learn the business of being bizarre; how to get those all important high-paid gigs to showcase your theatrically-charged magic. The day includes a late lunch, lectures, workshops, break-out groups, hands-on teaching… and then you’ll enjoy a special hour-long show featuring Eugene, Jeff and Lawrence practice what they preach. The day finishes at 7pm, and you’re invited to join the Mystery School for dinner in a nearby restaurant (optional) until 10pm.
TICKET & INFO:Â https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mystery-school-focus-on-mentalism-bizarre-storytelling-magic-tickets-18798307243
All events take place at Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA (near London).
STAY UPDATED:Â www.facebook.com/MysterySchoolFOCUSÂ
COMPETITION: Win 2 tickets to attend either FOCUS event by answering this question:
How much is the Master-Key package of magic worth which you will receive at the event for FREE? Email you answer to classes@marvinsmagicschool.co.uk. The lucky winner will be picked at random on 31st January.
T&Cs: Judges decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. Prize is for two tickets to attend the FOCUS event either Sat 27th or Sun 28th February. Winner will be given choice of date and notified by email. Winner must fund all expenses to and from the event.
After the events in Hertfordshire, Jeff and Eugene will travel on to one of England’s most magical locations. They will be hosted in Glastonbury by Mario and Veronica Morris at their School of Busking, for a special MASTER CLASS, from March 1-3. This will be in the style of our regular 3-day Master Classes in Las Vegas, and has not been offered in the U.K. for nearly a decade. Students can sign up for all three days, or just for one. Learn more by going here:
https://www.schoolofbusking.com/3-day-master-class-copy/, or just contact Veronica by phone at: 0044 (0) 786 402 281 or email her at info@schoolofbusking.com
That’s it for now. Thanks for taking time to read this special “extra†Museletter this month. We’re thrilled about all the events of this 25th Anniversary year, but I think you’ll agree, this special tour is sure to be one of the highlights. I know Jeff, Eugene and Larry all look forward to seeing their many friends, both old and new, in the U.K.
As always, if you have questions you can’t answer using the links to the various events listed above, do feel free to e-mail your questions to me at any time!
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Tobias Beckwith
