Applying to become a beta tester

From time to time we require beta testers to test new versions of existing Sibelius products, and even new products that we have yet to introduce. Beta testers can help shape the direction of existing and future products in a direct way, by reporting problems and suggesting enhancements during the development period.

If you are already a registered Sibelius user and would like to become a beta tester for any of Sibelius's products, you can apply by filling out this simple form.

If you are not already a registered Sibelius user, please contact beta@sibelius.com.

What does beta testing involve?

Beta testing software can be challenging and demanding, but it's also very rewarding. Among other things, beta testers are expected to:

• download and install beta versions of new software and test it, looking for problems and suggesting improvements;
• download successive betas during the same testing period; these betas may be large in size and only those with fast Internet connections are recommended to apply;
• provide feedback in a timely fashion, and are expected to contribute throughout the duration of the beta testing period;
• send bug reports as they are discovered, and are also asked to attempt to reproduce bug reports raised by other testers.

Beta testing periods may vary greatly in length, from a week to several weeks. Beta testers are always informed in advance of the duration of the beta testing period, and those who will not be able to contribute are asked to opt out of that period.

Note that we don't recommend beta testers use beta software for production work, and we don't make any warranty that the software will perform perfectly (after all, that's what beta testing is all about!).

Who can be a beta tester?

Anybody can be a beta tester! In fact, for effective beta testing, we are looking for as representative a cross-section of musicians and computer users as we can find. Many of our products are complex and can be used in a number of different ways by different types of user.

You don't have to be a computer expert to be a good beta tester - you just have to be methodical and able to submit good, detailed reports of your experiences while using whatever product you are testing in a timely fashion.

What's in it for me?

It might sound like beta testing is hard work, and it can be. But it also has its rewards: you get to see new versions and products before everybody else, and can have a direct impact on the quality of the finished product.

In addition, we offer rewards to beta testers, which vary depending on the nature of each individual beta testing program. For example, we may offer a generous discount on the purchase price of the product being tested, or perhaps even a free copy of that or another product in our range.

Further questions?

If you have any further questions about beta testing Sibelius products, please contact dspreadbury@sibelius.com.

Want to apply?

To apply to become a beta tester for any of Sibelius's products, click here.

Note: you must be a registered Sibelius user to fill in this form.