I'm basically a clean slate, having only messed around with a Tony Dixon low-D whistle for about 3 months—no musical experience. My goal is to play traditional Japanese, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Native American music, but the D whistle seemed like a good place to start (I own a shakuhachi and plan on getting a ney as well).

What I'm trying to figure out is if I should invest time learning the sort of European-style music theory if I don't plan on playing any music in the style. Granted, I'm sure knowing it is valuable in general but I don't know if it's as applicable as learning the theories or practices that originated in the regions I'm interested. I'll learn it if it's the best method for what I'm seeking, I'm just trying to follow a good path to my goals.

The other thing I'm wondering is if it's worth it to take formal lessons for end-blown flutes that aren't from instructors trained in these styles. Every music store I've been to seems to focus on the classical concert instruments in the classic Western style (as expected for Hampton Roads, VA, US). I'm sure a clarinet teacher could teach me how to play d-whistle but does that translate to better skills on ney and shakuhachi, or is there a better route for this sort of thing? Or do I buy a bansuri so that I have something transverse to learn from a flute teacher?

Anyway, this is all completely foreign to me and I'm trying to get my bearings. Thanks in advance.