Buzzing

eioday we'll discuss buzzing; when, why and how. Happy practicing!
A few years ago there was a huge (by classical music standards) argument online about the pros and cons of buzzing on the mouthpiece. There were people protesting outside of local music stores, riots were started, others named their newborn children in support of their favorite mouthpiece manufacturers. Just kidding, but people really did argue.
People said buzzing was different from playing the instrument (it is, but not because you create sound in a different way), or that the way you create a buzz differs from playing on the instrument (also true). Neither of which mean that buzzing is a bad thing; far from it! Buzzing is a useful tool to have in your box of practice methods.
Pros

1. If you can buzz it, you can play it. Buzzing is a great way to reinforce the melody in your head.
2. It exposes gaps in your understanding of the part. If you can't hear the piece you're working on, there's no guarantee that you'll get the right notes to come out of your horn.
3. Buzzing is an excellent way to work through the "nodes" in each register. Nodes are the spots where your lips don;t like to vibrate. Try doing glisses from low to high and you'll probably find a few nodes.

Cons

1. A little bit goes a long way. Buzzing is much more taxing than playing and it's no substitute for practicing on the instrument.

My favorite Exercises

1. Anything from The Buzzing Book.
   I always start my playing day with a few exercises from the book.
2. Buzz excerpts from solo rep, etudes, exercises, ensemble parts, or anything else you might be working through. Buzzing is particularly useful when you've got intervals that you're having trouble finding on the horn. Take a reference pitch from the piano or drone and use your ear to learn the part.
3. Simple tunes. You can buzz anything you hear from "My Country 'Tis of Thee," to to Brahms' "Lullaby," or a song you heard on the radio. Doing so helps to reinforce the connection between your mind and your chops.

Tips

1. Make sure you buzz with the same form (or better) as when you play on the instrument. The main difference will be that you need to use about four times as much air when buzzing, but that's okay.
2. I've found that when many people buzz the back of their tongue comes up. Keep it down, think "Oh" as if you're yawning.
3. When you buzz it's not supposed to sound as resonant as the instrument. Trying to get a more resonant buzz is probably an act of futility. Your focus should be on a smooth air-stream and consistent, airy sound.

Thank you for reading!