The Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame is dedicated to adhering to a strict procedure that ensures fairness and objectivity in order to make sure the most deserving people are inducted every year. This is a brief summary of the procedure followed:

Both people in the music community and others are encouraged to nominate people whom they think are deserving, as only those nominated are considered for induction every year. You may nominate yourself or another party. We encourage nominations of bands and musicians from all genres, as well as businesses and individuals that have had an impact on the local music scene and the music industry in general.

A nominating committee is formed every year to consider all potential nominees, as per the requirements of the official procedure of the Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame, and to present the best qualified candidates to the Executive Committee. Only files complete with all the necessary information outlined in the nomination form are considered for review. All other files are tabled until they can be completed. Each committee member is assigned a certain number of the nominees to score, based upon the materials submitted for each candidate. If a member has a close relationship with a nominee, that nominee will be assigned to a different member for evaluation, to ensure fairness and objectivity. The nominees qualifications are rated with a point system in the following qualification categories: longevity in Western New York, community service in music, recording status, production credits, recognition for proficiency in artist's performance medium, performance position, composition and/or sale of music, public visibility, and musical versatility.

Once all of the candidates have been evaluated, committee members present their top picks to the entire nominating committee for a vote. Each committee member then votes by ranking their choices for the top 8 nominees. The top 8 candidates are chosen based on those rankings and presented to the Executive Committee for induction. The Executive Committee may challenge up to 2 of these candidates, and they may only chose the next alternates in line after discussion among the committee.

Those not inducted are reviewed again every year and go through the same process every year. For this reason, it is important for nominees and for people nominating others to send in current and updated information every year. The more information we have on nominees, the more accurate our evaluation of their careers will be.

More detailed information about this process can be obtained by contacting the Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame. This procedure is reviewed yearly by the Board and may be revised as deemed necessary by our desire to make it as fair as possible for all nominees.