OPEN EXCHANGE lister Nelson Lee teaches shakuhachi, the Japanese bamboo flute. Trained in both Japan and the U.S., Nelson uses a mix of Eastern and Western teaching methods to help his students get the most out of the shakuhachi, both musically and spiritually.

So you always wanted to play a musical instrument. You bought a fiddle, got a teacher, and plunged into hours of practicing. But after the initial excitement has worn off, how do you keep the music fresh so that you can grow and excel?

Find your internal reasons to play. While all instruments have an internal side, there are some, such as the shakuhachi, that have an intensely spiritual aspect that you can tap into. In fact, some of my students choose to play shakuhachi only for themselves, rather than for an audience. Shakuhachi is known to strengthen and deepen the breath, which is a benefit that will help you in every aspect of your life. While playing, you can feel your mind quieting and focusing as you explore your soul.

Find a teacher who understands the best way to teach you and provides a supportive environment. Try to establish a longterm relationship with the teacher you choose. When I was in Japan I noticed that shakuhachi students tended to stay with one teacher for years and years. This longterm relationship allows time for the teacher to observe the student's learning patterns and to nurture the student's growth. Obviously, Japan is a different culture from the U.S., but still you should try to create a longterm student-teacher relationship.

Accept where you are, believe in where you want to go, and keep the practice fun. Map out a plan for your improvement, and at each practice session, focus on small, reachable goals and meet them. Acknowledge your improvements as you go along, and give yourself time with every practice session to reward yourself by playing a fun, easy piece. Acknowledging your own progress will help you to avoid becoming frustrated and overly critical of your playing.

Find an appropriate community where you can share your music. Seek out a supportive group of fellow musicians who complement your level of playing. Or find an audience who appreciates your music. For example, a friend of mine integrates his shakuhachi playing with his zazen practice. At the end of each of his group's sitting sessions, he spends about 15 minutes playing the shakuhachi. This ritual benefits his group as well as satisfying his need to share his music.

Making the commitment to play an instrument and keeping that commitment going requires: the need to express yourself in that medium; consistent, mindful practicing; a teacher who will guide you and pace you; and an environment that supports your growth. If you can add these elements to your musical practice, you will have a good chance of a successful, satisfying experience with your instrument.