After a decade, Moana is back in theaters with a new look. Disney has created a live-action remake of the original animated film.

This project found us revisiting our work from the 2016 animated Moana. First, the original Moana sheet music files had to be converted to a new format. The original files were created in music notation software that was discontinued in 2024.

Then, we had to update the sheet music to match the vocal performances in the new version of the film. This required reviewing each character’s performance by ear, note-by-note, in every song in the film. There is no automation for this type of work. It requires the skilled listening and notation of a seasoned professional.

Finally, the 2016 sheet music transcriptions were updated to precisely match the new performances. It was ready for the translators and performers around the world to dub the songs into many new languages.