Codes and Conventions of Music

Magazine Contents Page

Joe Hadfield

Contents TitleThe word contents is usually situated at the top of the page. It is placed there as it is the first thing people will read, as you read from top to bottom. This being at the top shows the reader that this page is clearly going to be about the content of the magazine.

ImagesAll of the images which are used on the page are to do with the genre of rock, this is so the audience can tell that it’s a rock magazine.

An image of the front cover is also included, this is usually situated in the top corner of the page. It is small and out of the way.

All of the images have a page number written on them, this is so that the audience can find the article in the magazine.

Issue Information Usually is situated in the corner of the page.

Sometimes in the bottom corner of the page along with the page number and masthead.

The issue information is used to inform the reader on which issue the magazine is. If the issue number is high, it may indicate to the reader that it is a well established magazine.

Masthead There is a repetition of the masthead on

the contents page, as it is also featured on the front cover. It is usually placed at the top of the page.

Page Layout

Most magazines usually are structured in three columns, this is so that it’s easy to read as it has a clear structure. Also, it will be the same layout every week so it will be conventional.

Article Title

The article title is usually written in a bigger bolder, maybe even a different colour to the main body text which is below. This is done so that it stands out and catches the readers attention.

The page number is also on the left of the article title, it is placed here as it is conventional and also so that the reader knows what page to find the article on.

Main Body Text

The main body text is usually situated below the article title.

It is there to give the audience a more detailed insight as to what the article is about.

It is usually written in simple and plain fonts.

Article Organisation

The articles are usually organised into ‘Regular’ and ‘Feature’ content.

Regular content is articles that are features in every issue of the magazine.

Feature content is articles that are only in the magazine as a one off, not in the issue every time.

Musical Iconography

Musical instruments are usually pictured on the contents page, this clearly indicates to the reader that this magazine is about music.

Relevant Mise-en-scene

There are many things which are featured on a magazine content page image to indicate that the magazine is about music and also a specific genre of music.

For example, on the magazine to the left he is holding a guitar which automatically signifies that this magazine is clearly about music. He has tattoos which also a symbol of the rock genre. His plain clothing is also very stereotypically rock. He is standing up tall and his facial expression looks angry, anger is usually associated with the rock genre as well.