One of the most important aspects of playing any instrument is keeping a strong, even sense of time while you play. This is best developed by counting the rhythms in the music. Before you play the scale on the following page, count 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 several times to get a feel for the rhythm. As you play the example, count mentally as you play and tap your foot to help you keep time. To be sure you develop a good sense of time right from the beginning, it is recommended that you always practice with a metronome or drum machine. This is discussed further in Lesson One.