YMF Topic: The Requirement for Memorization in Music Performance.

The Young Musicians Festival is a once a year opportunity for students to perform practiced pieces in an adjudicated and non-competitive environment. Except in certain situations where it is not required, such as duets, memorization is an important part of music performance: Its presence most palpable in the assessment of musicality. Notwithstanding its many benefits, memorization has been inconsistent across YMF divisions over the years despite the fact that it has been part of the assessment criteria within the YMF rubric.

Beginning in 2026, musicality and therefore memorization will become a part of the YMF Rubric for assessment across all divisions. 

YMF 2026