A serious and professional man is being represented here, this is created by stereotypical symbols of classical music, for example the smart and sophisticated outfit with a neck tie. This therefore represents a code and convention of classical music which is being smartly presented in a suit or something highly regarded in a similar way, in this way he is made to look professional. The model is made to look serious by being directed to make eye contact with the camera in an engaging way, this supports Richard Dyer's theory 'a star is an image not a real person' because the model has been instructed to look this way to create a certain image for the public, by looking at this image we as an audience become aware that the magazine is for enthusiasts of classical music (by his attire) and that it will probably include serious and topical articles and conversations. However this does not support Stuart Hall's theory 'Representations cannot be a fixed unchangeable notion' because this star has been created in the image of a stereotypical classic artist, his outfit isn't particularly extravagant in any way and he looks quite normal, in this sense the representation is being made to seem true and commonsense. This is what the representation is to me although to others it may be different i believe that most people will receive the same ideas about this man being a classical artist and not a pop artist or extravagant performer for example. The magazines target audience is a range of people who are learning or want to learn how to play the piano, a possible symbolic sign could be the necktie, it has a silky and smooth appearance which are words we would associate with the piano sound.
Genre is defined by Steve Neale who suggests that genre is about "repetition and difference" in this case that statement is true as usually a smart dress code is represented like on this image however a different aspect has been added with the colourful and shiny neck tie.
The main colours situated on this magazine are mostly white black and grey, i believe this could represent the house style which runs all the way through with the occasional appearance of the light blue colour.
The most outstanding feature of this magazine front cover is the light blue necktie, it is synergetic with the two blue box-outs containing the banners and the same of the artist shown above and below. This use of the same colour in the center, left corner and right corner of the magazine brings the front cover together connecting all of its features together allowing the audience to see the magazine as one product and creates a house style that will be represented throughout. The chosen colour also connotes feeling of calm as it is a cool and colour however still bright to keep the audience interested in what they are looking at. The front cover as a whole is quite dark so this splash of colour adds interest and depth. The banner below is semi transparent as it begins to fade towards the end.
The masthead is at the top of the page and occupies a small section of it, however in my research i have not yet analysed a magazine cover that keeps to the convention of not covering the masthead with the model, this magazine keeps to this convention and places the masthead just above the models dark hair. This also helps it stand out as the masthead is depicted in white, which is synergetic with the smaller text on the page which explains each subheading. The font is in san serif, i would not use this style for my subheading as i believe it doesn't symbolize the classical music as i usually think of fancy fonts representing the classical music genre, for example written music is represented in curly lines with extensions (eg. music notes)
There are 5 cover stories on the front of this magazine. They are not all the same font, there is a mixture of san serif and serif, they are also a range of sizes, with larger font being used for the cover lines. I think this magazine is intended to appeal to a male and female TA as all genders can be interested in learning to play music. However because of the dark colours and the models lacking in attempt to attract a 'female gaze' (which Laura Mulvey suggests females only pose or dress the way they do on magazines or in the public eye to attract men, but this can be applied in terms of men and rejected in this case) i would suggests it is mainly directed at men. The image relates to the headline as it is depicting a pianist through the model. The shot type is a medium shot and the model has his arms crossed, this representation could connote unwillingness to share his life stories with the public and therefore a closed off character that is only in the public eye to share his music. The image is sharp and clear and very little of him is covered by text. The hair and makeup is quite simplistic and minimal this will appeal to the target audience as mostly it is suggested they will only be interested in the music that the star is playing and not their appearance, which opposes someone in the pop genre like Lady Gaga for example were the image she creates attracts the majority of her fan base.
The text appeals to the target audience because they are advertising the piano lessons they will receive inside of the magazine and what they will learn. There is also a suggestion they will receive a guide to the summer courses and festivals inside, which will appeal because people who are interested in classical music will want to listen to it live and will also want to know where to find courses that they can advance their classical music capabilities and understanding in.
This is a pug it has a buzzword 'FREE' which immediately draws the attention of the reader, as they become interested in what the magazine has that will benefit them, which is therefore an incentive to buy the magazine. 
There is a free CD included on the front cover, this is another incentive to buy for the audience because people are more inclined to buy if they receive something in return. The CD helps people learn the piano, this will appeal to the target audience as they are buying the magazine to further their piano skills. This is a feature that i could possibly include on my magazine front cover especially as i am introducing a new artist to world, it would be useful to give potential fan bases something to enjoy and therefore create a stable fan base for the artist before an official album has been released.
How this post has influenced my planning and creativity:
This post has given me the idea to possibly include a free CD in order to acquire a fan base for the artist i am introducing to the industry.
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