City Of Stars (from La La Land) Sheet Music Preview

City Of Stars (from La La Land): E-Z Play Today

As performed by Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone

Item: 35-DS00447517

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 4
SKU: 35-DS00447517

More about this title

About the Artist: Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone brought their own musical talents to the screen in Damien Chazelle's 2016 film La La Land, a modern musical that revived the genre for contemporary audiences. Both performers trained extensively for their roles, with Gosling learning piano and Stone refining her singing to authentically portray characters whose connection deepens through music. Their performances became central to the film's emotional core, demonstrating how acting and musicianship intersect in storytelling.

The film's success introduced millions of listeners to a new generation of musical theater, blending jazz sensibilities with accessible pop melody. Gosling and Stone's collaboration on screen created one of the most memorable duets in recent film, bringing genuine chemistry to the music that defines their characters' relationship.

Why we love this

This arrangement captures the wistful, conversational quality of the original duet in a manageable four pages. Students hear this tune everywhere, which means they arrive already connected to it emotionally, making it an ideal entry point for exploring jazz chord voicings and film arrangement techniques without overwhelming them technically.

What to expect

Romantic without being sentimental. The music hovers in that perfect space between jazz sophistication and pop accessibility, with gentle introspection giving way to moments of hope. Playing it feels like a conversation between two people who are discovering something beautiful together.

Who it's for

Piano students who want to play something they already love, from early intermediate players building foundation voicing skills to more advanced musicians arranging film music for recitals or ensemble projects. It works equally well for students preparing auditions for music theater programs or simply exploring contemporary musical styles beyond classical repertoire.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the melody with gentle rubato in the bridge section; the song breathes naturally when you follow the lyrical contour rather than metronomic time.
  • Balance the left hand accompaniment so it supports without overshadowing the vocal line. The harmonies matter, but the tune must sing through.
  • Experiment with the pedal carefully in the verses. The sustained harmonies benefit from resonance, but clarity suffers if you blur the chord changes.
  • Pay attention to any dynamic markings that signal the emotional arc; this piece builds from quiet introspection to something more confident by the end.

How to use it

Include this on a recital exploring film music or contemporary composers, pairing it with other standout movie moments to show how underscore and vocal music shape storytelling. It also serves as a bridge piece for students transitioning from classical training into musical theater or jazz contexts, and works beautifully in hybrid concerts mixing instrumental and vocal music.

Skills your students will build

  • Jazz chord voicings and seventh chords in functional progressions
  • Pedal control with sustained harmonic textures
  • Dynamic shaping of melodic lines over accompaniment figures
  • Stylistic awareness of film and contemporary music arranging
  • Interpretive choices in rubato and phrasing

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