It is possible to describe the content of the notation using elements from the model.labelLike class and it is possible to point to an external representation using elements from model.ptrLike. It is possible to specify the location of digital objects representing the notated music in other media such as images or audio-visual files. The encoder's interpretation of the correspondence between the notated music and these digital objects is not encoded explicitly. We recommend the use of graphic and binaryObject mainly as a fallback mechanism when the notated music format is not displayable by the application using the encoding. The alignment of encoded notated music, images carrying the notation, and audio files is a complex matter for which we refer the encoder to other formats and specifications such as MPEG-SMR.

It is also recommended, when useful, to embed XML-based music notation formats, such as the Music Encoding Initiative format as content of notatedMusic. This must be done by means of customization.