The way I learned to read was because my teacher made it VERY interesting. Everything we played was groovy and cool, so it made me want to learn so I could be a part of it. So, I think the best way to start is to play some interesting stuff. Something that you want to play instead of something you feel forced to play.

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I don't know if this has been said yet but you should definitely get "syncopation" by Ted Reed. It's really a great book. I go through a page marking time then again tapping my left foot, then again tapping my right foot.