Each student must feel the pulse before any real rhythmic excellence can be achieved. Probably the most basic way to achieve this goal is to have students express the beat physically. This approach has several benefits. Even more importantly, this approach actually helps the student learn this concept in a deeper fashion. The physical expression of the beat is accomplished in different ways depending on the educational setting.
Percussionists face similar problems and advantages.
They too move according to the beat, but in many, if not most cases, they play notes that are subdivisions. In both instances, players may not have a full understanding of pulse. They may understand the theory behind the concept, but may not be able to feel or internalize the actual pulse. Wind students, more than either percussionists or string players, must be taught to express the beat physically, because of the absence of gross muscle movements during playing. The normal method used to express the beat is to require them to tap the foot.