Navigating iTunes Store/Music

[sluggo]

OK, I'm missing something here. I get to the iTunes store via the Music app. I can't seem to find a search function so that I can just go in and buy individual songs like I previously did and can still do on the iPhone.
I'm not really liking the idea of an Apple Music monthly subscription to buy new music. Is that the only way now or am I simply missing a step somewhere?

[Xairbusdriver]

I assume you are using Catalina macOS 10.15? Haven't made that jump yet. I'm waiting on you and your brave friends to find all the new little "gattcha's" like this "Music" thing. I think a couple of TSers have made the leap and they will drop by later. Perhaps there is some help at the Apple site? Or you might even try searching for "Apple Music Instructions" or something similar. Sorry, I'm about to leave the computer for the night for other activities but I'll do some searching tomorrow if no one gets back to you.

[Xairbusdriver]

Sorry for the delay and I'm not sure I have any useful info. I do have a few links that may be more helpful to you than they seem to be for me. I actually had a bit of trouble even finding info that refers directly to the new app. "Music" and "Apple" will get hits from almost the beginning of OS X and will actually be info on iTunes.

• iMore.com: Everything you can do with Music... except to detail how to actually buy anything!
• iMore again. I think you can already use iOS to buy stuff?
• PC Magazine Surely there is an Apple source for the info you want, but at least this link provide a hint on how to purchase:

  To find, purchase, and download new music, click the entry for iTunes Store. You can then browse among the selections. Tap the price button for an album you wish to purchase.

I think that when you are viewing an "album", you can also click on individual tracks, as I remember those usually have prices listed. What I find it truly strange that even though Apple claims to have 'unbundled' "Music" from iTunes, they still ask you to click an "iTunes" button?!

I still hope real Music users will come along and explain what I would think is the simplest use of this "new" app. On the other hand, I may be just too stupid to know how to use the app (which I don't actually have nor can I install in Mojave macOS 10.14).

[Paddy]

This should help. They've definitely changed how it looks... (I haven't updated myself - too much work right now, and software issues to deal with before I do that!)

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/music/mus14076f9d/mac

[Xairbusdriver]

So, the only thing that really changed is that you play your music ('owned' or streamed) in "Music". And it also syncs your stuff across all Apple OSes. One still must iTunes...

I'm sure there must be other tricks that make all the hoopla further the effort to learn the new IU. I'm still just not part of the target demographic, I guess.

[sluggo]

I've been using Catalina for some time with no real problems. I did finally see where the search bar in Music was located. So I type in the information and select something I want to check out.
I'm taken to that particular album and all the tracks are there. But click on a track, which in the past would have given me the option to listen to a sample or purchase. Now another window opens asking if I want to join Apple Music. When I select the "Not Now" option the window disappears and I'm left with no option to purchase the selected song. For some reason I can't get the screenshot to load. It's only 307 KB.
I mainly use the music on my iPhone in a vehicle anyway, and iTunes Store on the phone works as it always has. I can search a song, select it and buy it without Apple Music being involved in any way. I have no interest in a monthly subscription.
Edit: Apparently some things can be easily purchased because a screen that shows an option similar to the "old" way appears, but only for some music. Other selections only show the Apple Music option that I mentioned. Oh well.