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Geisha and Courtesan: Culture
 Music
Music is an important aspect of both the private and public lives of geisha. In the past, all maiko (apprentice geisha) were trained to play the shamisen, a long-necked lute whose three strings are plucked with a type of pick called a plectrum. Mastery of the shamisen is a life-long process that requires countless hours of practice and study under a shamisen master. The shamisen is an essential accompaniment to geisha dance and in the past, geisha brought their instruments to all of their engagements. Today the shamisen is still a fundamental element of geisha training, but the demand for shamisen players at geisha parties is less than it was in the past. However, its distinctive sound still fills the air at public geisha dances and festivals such as the Miyako Odori (Cherry Blossom Dance), which is held annually in Kyoto.
Geisha also learn to play instruments such as the taiko (a frame drum that is struck with two sticks), the tsuzumi (a small hand drum played on the shoulder), and the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) for dance accompaniment. Traditionally, geisha learned to play their instruments by rote memorization that required a very thorough understanding of the sentiments and subtleties of the music. Today, a desire to learn traditional music is what draws many aspiring maiko to the profession.
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