L. S., audience member, Stonehill Trio concert:
“Just wanted to send a big Thank You for the wonderful concert with the Stonehill Trio today! I heard them in concert (at the Martin Institute) last year as well, and they are absolutely magnificent. A coup for Stonehill to have these extremely talented ladies on their staff.
What a pleasure to listen to their beautiful music.”
D. T., audience member, Trio con Anima concert
“We were just coming over to tell you how much we enjoyed the recital; the program was unusual, and so well-chosen.
And the playing was just wonderful - full of understanding and passion - and the result was superb musicianship, which brought out many musical colors and textures, which these pieces had in abundance.
We felt quite fortunate to have been there, and were reminded that these smaller-scale, more intimate programs are often so much more rewarding than the major productions.'
“What a lovely way to enjoy your beautiful music when we’re home. You and your team produced an amazing program.”
— A. & B on a concert titled Words and Music to Keep You Warm on a Cold Winter’s Night, broadcast through FB live during the Corona Virus Pandemic 2020
“Thank you so much for being such a great piano teacher! I really liked learning so much about piano. Learning and playing piano is really fun!.”
— N, student
K.F., college student, upon graduation:
“Thank you so much for everything. You have been so supportive of my song writing and learning to play piano From piano workshop+studiopiano! You have been one of my biggest supporters here at S. You’ve …. made me a better musician. I can never thank you enough to be more grateful. … ”
C. L., parent
"My daughter has been studying with Ana weekly for 12 years. Ana’s gentle encouragement and silly stories enchanted my daughter when she was little, and since then their relationship has matured into one of trust and depth. It is the rare teacher who has the skills to both engage a pre-literate child and shepherd continuous musical growth to advanced levels in high school. Ana has helped my daughter develop a love of the process of learning beautiful music and with that a mode of self-expression that will always be a part of her life."
R. B. D., parent
“Our children have been students of Ana's for many years. In that time, they have flourished musically under her musical tutelage. She invests a great deal of time in understanding what motivates each student individually and applies her knowledge towards tailoring an individualized curriculum that her students find engaging and meaningful.
Most importantly, she puts significant effort into creating a relaxed, caring learning environment that inspires creativity and deep learning. Every student feels cared for and knows she has their best interests at heart at all time. Her infinite patience, sweet disposition and love for music create the perfect forum for a child to learn and embrace music.
She is an excellent educator and wonderful human being!”
Z., student:
“ Thank you for teaching me so much more on the piano. I really like all the things we did and played.”
T.N., college student, upon graduation:
“… It has been a great pleasure for me to have you as my piano teacher for the past 3 years. The amount of classes cannot show how much I have learned from you both about music and being a pianist. Thank you so much for being so patient and supportive to me. You never failed to make me feel cared for and listen to after our lessons. That’s why I always look forward to our lessons every week. I will miss you dearly Prof. Popa! Thank you for nurturing the love for music among the young generation. I hope you will always find joy and satisfaction in the work that you do. ”
“There are no words to describe how much we love you. You have been such an amazing teacher. You are such an inspiration. We hope. D. some day will be able to play like you. Thank you for all the love and support and kindness. We love you and will miss you a lot .”
— The G.’s, whose daughter, D. I taught for several years, and who left my studio because they moved to the West Coast.
J., upon finishing her piano studies
“ Thank you so much for the many wonderful years of teaching! I really appreciate how much you’ve taught me about music and piano.”
L.R., audience member at the inaugural Stonehill Trio concert
“Please allow me to express congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Dr.’s Soyoung Kwon, Ellie Wee, and Ana Popa for a stellar performance in the Martin Auditorium today. This inaugural performance of the Stonehill Trio was superbly musical, engaging, and well deserving of the countless audience accolades following the final piece.”
K. O., Stonehill Trio Concert
“Magnificent performance, and truly virtuosic playing. Thank you for this wonderful presentation today.”
T. P., audience member at a solo recital
“Ana, I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed your concert yesterday afternoon. You have moved me to tears with your Chopin and your Beethoven was so magnificently strong! Well done and congratulations. I look forward to hearing you again!”