Look Up!

Look Up! by Brian Flack is a sight-reading method book designed to help young mallet players lift their eyes off the bars and stay fully engaged with the music in front of them. Instead of overwhelming students with the full instrument at once, the book takes a refreshingly simple approach: shrink the range, build the skill, then expand with confidence.

The method begins with just two pitches—an intentionally tiny “instrument” that lets players focus 100% on reading without worrying about geography. From there, Flack gradually introduces 3-note, 4-note, and 5-note patterns before layering in new rhythmic skills at each level, moving from Easy (quarters and eighths) to Expert (meter changes and full dynamic control). Main sight-reading melodies are presented in the keys of C and F, but a complete appendix of all other key signatures is included! This makes the book useful for more experienced players looking to brush up on their reading while preparing for an audition.

Teachers will appreciate the built-in strategies for group learning, scaffolded difficulty, and Flack’s emphasis on consistent perusal habits. Students will appreciate the clear progression, the achievable challenges, and—eventually—the confidence that comes from reading ahead instead of staring down.

Appropriate for lessons, private study, or group learning environments, Look Up! offers a structured, practical path toward better reading habits and better musicianship.