NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Like what you hear at your local Starbucks? Now you can buy it on iTunes.

Starbucks and Apple Computer Inc. announced Thursday that users of the popular online music store will be able to preview and purchase releases by classic and new musical artists produced by the coffee chain.

"Many of our customers want to listen to our music on their iPods, and now that will be easier than ever," Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment, said in a prepared statement.

As part of the partnership, Apple will feature a Starbucks Entertainment area within iTunes, where users can purchase playlists compiled by Starbucks.

Starbucks executives have said in the past that its music offerings are intended to expand the company's footprint beyond the coffee house experience.

Apple (down $0.48 to $74.90, Charts) shares edged lower in midday Nasdaq trade, while Starbucks (up $2.12 to $38.08, Charts) shares were over 7 percent higher.

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