We were sitting around at FL Shakuhachi camp the other night and discussing teaching and lessons and etiquette. One thing that was brought up was courtesy for your Sensei. If your Sensei goes above and beyond the call of duty in your lessons and gives you an extra 20 minutes of his time to help you complete a piece or grasp a concept, consider maybe tipping him or her. All too often we think to tip a hair stylist or masseuse because it is customary but fail to consider someone such as our Sensei who is also providing a service.

So if in the future you feel your Sensei is going above or beyond the call of duty or exceeding your expectations, give them a tip. It will be appreciated and you will feel good about it in the end. Most Sensei work for the love of teaching the instrument and not the money. Unexpected surprises are always appreciated :)