Introduction to "City of Stars"
This enchanting La La Land composition - winner of multiple Academy Awards - offers the perfect introduction for beginning pianists. With music by Justin Hurwitz and lyrics by the acclaimed duo Pasek & Paul, the composition beautifully expresses the poignant duality of aspiration and romance through its tender melody.Its gentle, flowing rhythm and simple yet expressive melody make it an excellent choice for those just starting their piano journey.
For beginners, finding the right piano sheet music can be daunting."City of Stars" is widely available in simplified sheet music, making it more approachable for beginners. Whether you're looking for free sheet music online or structured lessons, this guide will help you understand the song’s structure, emotional depth, and techniques to play it beautifully.
Understanding the Song Structure
"City of Stars" follows a straightforward structure, which is ideal for piano for beginner players. The composition flows in triple meter, creating a lilting waltz quality.Here’s a breakdown of its sections:
- Intro – A delicate, repeating motif that sets the dreamy tone.
- Verse – Soft and introspective, with a simple melodic line.
- Chorus – Slightly more expressive, with gentle dynamic shifts.
- Bridge – A subtle variation that adds emotional depth.
- Outro – A return to the intro’s motif, fading softly.
For those learning from piano sheet music, noticing these sections helps in practicing one part at a time.
Simplified Breakdown for Beginners
Right Hand – The Melody
The right hand carries the song’s wistful melody. The notes are mostly stepwise (moving to adjacent keys), making it easier to play. Here’s a basic outline:
- Intro/Verse: Starts with E - G - A, a simple three-note pattern.
- Chorus: Expands slightly with C - B - A, adding a touch of melancholy.
Using simplified sheet music can help beginners focus on finger placement before adding dynamics.
Left Hand – The Harmony
A gentle harmonic foundation is formed by the left hand's arpeggiated chord
Common patterns include:
- C Major (C - E - G)
- A Minor (A - C - E)
- F Major (F - A - C)
Practicing these chords slowly before integrating them with the right hand ensures smoother playing.
Breaking Down the Song for Beginners
The initial step is to become acquainted with the primary melody.Start by playing the right-hand melody slowly and steadily. Focus on getting the rhythm and pitch right before you move on to adding the left-hand accompaniment. The melody of "City of Stars" is relatively simple, but it has a few tricky parts, especially in the higher registers. Take your time with these sections and practice them slowly until you feel comfortable.
After mastering the melody, begin incorporating the left-hand chords.The chord progression in "City of Stars" is quite straightforward and consists mainly of F# minor, D major, and A major chords. You'll find these accessible chords build the essential harmonic structure of the track. Maintain the singing tone of the melody while layering the harmonic accompaniment.This will help you get used to the coordination between your two hands.
Adding Dynamics and Expression
One of the most important aspects of playing "City of Stars" is adding dynamics and expression to your playing. This song is all about emotion, and the way you play it can make a huge difference in how it sounds. Start by experimenting with different dynamics, such as playing softly during the verses and more loudly during the choruses. Doing this will add dynamic flow and expressiveness to your playing. Don't forget to carefully craft your melodic phrasing as well. Try to play it in a way that feels natural and expressive, as if you were singing the song yourself.
Free Sheet Music Resources
If you're looking to save some money while learning to play "City of Stars," there are plenty of free sheet music resources available online. Websites like Sheetmusicgo offer free downloadable versions of the song, which can be a great starting point for beginners. These free resources often come with the basic melody and chords, allowing you to practice the essential parts of the song without needing to purchase a full arrangement.
In Sheetmusicgo，we also have a Roblox version of City of stars—you can play it on your computer keyboard! Use the Roblox sheet music to learn the melody, then practice on the actual score for a better performance.
Final Thoughts
More than a tune, ‘City of Stars’ lets new pianists unlock emotion and artistry at the keys. With the right piano sheet music and structured practice, even new players can bring its magic to life. Whether you use a simplified sheet music version or challenge yourself with the original, the key is to enjoy the journey.
Remember to take your time, practice regularly, and most importantly, enjoy the process of learning to play this beautiful piece.Wishing you joyful musical moments！
