The time to begin Music Memory Contest student preparation is September. It is vital to the success of this program that students have ample time to study and digest each piece, with review periods also provided. Some music educators have questioned the spending of this much time on the study of music masterworks. Students benefit greatly from hearing and studying pieces far beyond their skills to perform. All other elementary music activities, skills and competencies can be taught through the study of great music.
Contestants enter as individuals and are judged individually.
The philosophy of the Music Memory program is that students should be rewarded for their ability to recognize a piece of music, not for their ability to spell. Because of this philosophy, spelling is not considered even when there is a tie. However, four additional music excerpts are used to break ties. To be considered correct and to receive credit, all answers must be complete as shown on the Official List such as Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 or Organ Fugue in G Minor. The No. 2 and the G Minor must be included as part of the answer.