When I practice a honnkyoku ( the tunes comopsed specifically for the shakuhachi), I play the same tune as many times as possible. Sometimes more than ten times. In case of the duet tunes, I have to visit a friend of mine and practice together.

These days we can get some CDs very easily in Japan. When I have nobody to practice together, I play it listening to the CD. It is a very good way of practicing to make use of the CD, for I can make use of the CD to practice the same tune again and again to my heart content. When I am practicing together with some other person, it is impossible. He or she will get angry.

The CDs which have recorded the koto (Japanese harp) tunes are very convenient. Sometimes it is very hard to play to the koto. But I recommend you to practice the shakuhachi after listening to the same tune several times. It must be easier for you to play to the koto or the shamisen ( a kind of Japanese guitar with three strings ).

Then if there is a chance to practice with the other players, you should attend as many times as possible. I make it a rule to borrow a room near my house once a month, and practice together with a koto instructor and my friends.

In most cases the koto instructor can also play the shamisen. In Japan it is rather natural to learn the koto and the shamisen at the same time. So most koto players can play the shamisen,too. We decide what tunes to practice the next time after finishing the practice of the day. And also decide the next date and the place. Because there are several convenient rooms near my house.

If you have a chance to play on the stage and have a lot of audience listen to your playing the shakuhachi, you should challenge it. You don't have to be afraid of making a mistake. To experience the stages as many times as possible will make you more skillful and you will grow to be a better player. For that purpose, I recommend you to become a member of some shakuhachi circles. The opportunities to take part in the concert will increase.

And I must tell you the most important thing to be a good shakuhachi player. It is to practice every day even if it's a very short hours, or minutes. Playing the shakuhachi is quite a good hobby today when people are enjoying their long lives.