Pencil Exercise?

[Iceray]

everyone had heard of the pencil exercise but is it an effective way for increasing endurance? bc i am trying to build endurance, since ive recently switched from a small mp to a 1.5C and although i pla ywell, i can't last long xD so does it work?

[JazzTrumpet1]

Its a great exercise for developing compression but do not over do it. Its very taxing. It was originally a part of Doc Reinhardts trio of daily calisthenics. What you do it put the eraser end of a pencil in your mouth and hold it in between your lips but do not support with your teeth. Keep a flat chin and anchored down corners. Once again dont over do it.

[irith]

Relaxation and efficiency are much more important to playing larger mouthpieces than pure strength. Trying specifically to train your muscles in order to play a large mouthpiece will only make you think the lips have to work harder than they do, inhibiting your endurance even more.

Take big breaths, relax, and let your air do the work. Do some long tones or other really stuff in the mid to low register and try to make it as effortless as possible. Emphasize your soft playing as well, breath attacks can help.
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Trumpets.
Mouthpieces.
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[solo soprano]

[dershem]

The pencil exercise is pure isometrics - it can build strength, but if overdone can leave you muscle bound.

I use it when I am stuck at my desk for too much of the day, but ... 15 minutes a day is as much as anybody needs. Free buzzing is a different kind of exercise, and better for your breath and face control than the pencil exercise, and should also not be overdone.

But actual playing the horn is the best way to practice.

[dmb]

[Jerry Freedman]

The pencil exercise is a little controversial. Some say it works, some say its bad, some say use the time for practicing ( late at night when I am reading this is hard to do). Pops has a description of it (Trumpet College), I think Jeanne Pocius has a description of it in her book,Trumpeting by Nature. I used it ( and then Chopsticks) recovering from surgery. I know for a fact at least one well known player who used Chopsticks recovering from surgery. There recently was a thread here in the Reinhardt forum with an interesting take on it that is definitely worth a read.

Bottom Line --Embouchures are personal. What works or does not work for one person could have entirely different results for another. Be pragmatic. If it sounds interesting giive it a shot and if it works, do it. If it doesn't, quit

[BeboppinFool]

I'd like to know the reason for switching from the "small" mouthpiece to a 1½ C. That sounds like a drastic change that could be a completely unnecessary idea for many players.
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[stanton]

[hanerhoffmusic]

You'll find that you become accustomed to the burn and it doesn't bother you as much as it used to. Meaning, when you're 8 bars from the end of the chart and would have normally given up, you will be able to make it to the end regardless of fatigue.
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Blowing the same Strad 37 my parents bought me in 7th grade!

[crzytptman]

[Iceray]

[ljazztrm]

[Billy B]