How crucial is emotional engagement during a musical performance?

We often hear music professors tell their students that they have to put their feelings into the music. Some might even say that what we feel while we play is what brings the pieces to life. However, when it comes to performing, we sometimes feel like our emotions get in the way of our technical ability to transmit what we’ve learned in the practice room. So, where should our focus lie when we perform? Is there an optimal way to engage emotionally without losing control of the physical aspect of the performance? Ph.D in performance psychology Noa Kageyama will help us understand and reflect on this specific issue.