Locate the time signature in published music. Look for two numbers that resemble a fraction, such as "4/4," on the right side. The top number indicates the kind of note that receives one beat, and the bottom number indicates how many beats are found in each measure. In 4/4 time, a quarter note receives one beat and the bottom number indicates that there are four beats per measure. If your score has a "C" instead of numbers, just think of it as the same as 4/4. The "C" stands for "Common" time.
Look for vertical lines between the notes in the music. These are called bar lines and divide the notes into measures. In 4/4 time, the normal flow of beats occurs in patterns of strong-weak-strong-weak in each measure. To get the feel of the pulse, count out loud "ONE-two-THREE-four" a few times. The rhythms in much of popular music are based on this meter.
Listen to recorded music written in 4/4 time. Each measure can be heard as two sets of patterns of two beats each.
Listen to recorded music written in 6/8 time. Each measure of this music has six beats, and an eighth note (which is half a quarter note) receives one beat. In 6/8 time, the patterns in each measure can be heard as two sets of patterns of three beats each. For a feel of this meter, count "ONE-two-three-FOUR-five-six" a few times.