For whatever reason the tendency in both teachers and students of music is to not trust rhythm first and foremost. We are taught to sweat and fuss, to lifelessly drill our fingers for development of power. We are taught that music is a product brought about by hard earned technique and expert coaching. We are led to believe that music is an end in the process of learning, never a means. And never are we taught that rhythm - that which makes music musical can be our primary means for learning. This is why there was considerable resistance to Abby Whiteside's ideas, a resistance that continues to this day.