Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

bowing deeply to you all, i am steven weiss... an embryo to the world of shakuhachi.  i play many different instruments, and have performed professionally... and have about 10 years playing the native american flute.  however recently, i was overtaken by the desire to be able to play the shakuhachi.  i have bought a 1.8 D madake student shakuhachi (resisting the temptation to buy other more expensive, exquisite pieces... i need to stay in beginner's mind), and am beginning my search for a teacher, which i hope should not prove too difficult living in new york city most of the time.   studying in person especially since i can barely make a sound seems highly preferable to finding an internet teacher, yes?  i will post elsewhere to see if anyone can recommend someone in new york.  i am humbled by the simplicity and incredible complexity of the shakuhachi... after a life of music i can barely make any sound at all, and have to keep from hyperventilating at this point in my Journey
blessings,