Genres are categories or styles of a particular artform. For example, music genres include jazz, metal, and reggae; dance genres include hip-hop, ballet, and ballroom. Experimenting with different genres (or even combining them) is a good way to learn what styles, instruments, or skills suit you.

This can take the form of informal experimentation, or structured lessons- however you approach this stage, the outcome should be to try as many things as possible rather than produce a polished final performance.

It's important to play with and learn about many different facets of your artform so that you can make informed decisions when specialising. While the hands-on approach above is crucial to this learning process, many successful performers are also avid audience-goers.

Attending live productions, concerts, or shows is an important way to discover new aspects of the performing arts and what aspects appeal to you as a performer.

Similarly, it can help to find non-live, recorded options. Finding performers whose work you admire and then taking notes on their styles will help you develop your own.

Becoming a performing artist requires commitment, time, and years of practice. Unlike most other jobs, being a performer rarely comes with standard office hours, and so it is crucial that you develop the skills required to manage your time and energy effectively. These skills include;

• Time management

• Goal-setting

• Motivation management

• Utilising peers (e.g. mentorships, groupwork, peer reviews etc)

Along with a positive attitude, developing these good habits is essential for the ongoing progress of your career.