Hello!
I have been learning Shamisen in Fujimoto ryu (style) for about five years in San Francisco, juggling with other hobbies. Fujimoto-ryu is mostly Minyo but our Sensei is flexible and open to other songs, such as Hauta. (my colleague told me it’s like J-pop of Edo period. Indeed, a lot of them are about love and relationship!) Our group is laid back, not too intense but help you grow comfortably. I had never had any instrument when I started, but after five years, I can play some songs just fine. Anyone is welcome to our group! FYI, this is our video from last year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReKTtw3oSmk
(we regret we all have frowning face! Lesson learned, this is our first video recording experience)

Happy Shamisen!