Find the time signature. Look at the top number; this tells you how many beats are in the measure. Count up to this number in each measure.
Look at the bottom number of the time signature. Use this to determine the beat value. Treat a quarter note as a single beat in 2/4 meter. Give a half note the value of a single beat in 2/2 meter.
Stress the stronger beats according to the time signature. Accent the first beat in 2/4 time; give less stress to the second beat. Count the first beat loudest of the three in 3/4 time. Give the strongest stress to the first beat in 4/4 time and a slight stress to the third beat; do not accent the second and fourth beats.
Subdivide beats. Feel the smaller values that make up larger notes. Use the syllable "and" for any smaller note that falls between beats; count "one, and, two, and" for four quarter notes in 2/4 meter. Use the three separate syllables of "e," "and" and "a" to break notes up even further between beats. Divide the first beat of a 4/4 measure into four 16th notes by counting "1, e, and, a" with each syllable representing a 16th note.
Account for rests, ties and dotted notes. Count the value of rest values in your head before continuing to the next note. Hold the previous note for the length of the tied or dotted note value; continue to count out loud.