Clavier Companion Goes Digital

Clavier Companion is now coming to you in digital format with added features!  I contacted Peter Jutras, Editor in Chief of the magazine, and asked him some questions about this new opportunity for readers.  Here are his answers to my questions:

What kind of content will the digital edition of Clavier Companion contain?

The digital edition will contain ALL of the content of the print magazine, as well as video and audio that will enhance some of the print content. The digital edition will look just like the print magazine, but users will be able to navigate directly to articles using an active table of contents, click on any URL in the magazine (editorial or advertising), and view and related media. Users will access the digital edition through any internet connection, after which they will be able to download the digital edition and view it when they are offline. It should be noted that this digital edition is not replacement for the print edition, but rather an enhancement of the print content, as well as a means for readers to easily access the print content from any internet connection.

If I receive the printed magazine, why would I want to also view the digital edition?

There are many reasons – it can be accessed anywhere, so one can find content even if they don’t have the print magazine on hand. Obviously the video and audio files (which may include performances, teaching demonstrations, and product reviews) can’t appear in the traditional print version. Readers will appreciate the ability to go directly to websites mentioned in articles and advertisements. As we publish more digital editions, back issues will be archived and available from the same website, allowing readers to conveniently access multiple issues.

Who will be able to access the digital version of the magazine? Will we need a password?

As we unveil the new digital edition, the first few issues will be free to anyone. We are offering this product to the world in the hopes that we will reach out to more people in more locations than we can with the print edition. We want people to try it out, give us feedback, and help us refine the digital edition into a practical and informative source for information on piano teaching and performance.

Ultimately, there will be a password required to access the digital edition. Print subscribers will automatically receive this password as part of their print subscription (at no additional charge). As the digital edition moves forward, we expect to roll out a digital-only subscription that will allow people to access the magazine online for a reasonable price. This will also allow our foreign subscribers to access the magazine as soon as it is released, and subscribe to the magazine at the same rate as US subscribers, avoiding the high costs and unfortunate delays associated with international shipping.

We intend for the digital edition to be an enhancement for current print subscribers, and an affordable, accessible resource for those who might not be interested in subscribing to the print magazine.

How do readers access the digital version of Clavier Companion?

The digital edition can be easily found on our homepage: www.claviercompanion.com. We encourage everyone to visit the edition, read the articles, and “kick the tires” a bit. Send us your thoughts and feedback, and share the magazine with your friends. We want to reach a large audience, and get teachers of all ages and nationalities involved with the magazine – in short we hope to grow our wonderful circle of professional “companions.”