
Learning through play
Hands-on activities and creative music games help make reading, writing and creating music feel natural and rewarding.
Private piano lessons for children and beginners in Woodstock, Illinois. Discover personalized instruction with Dena Maxwell in a warm and welcoming home studio.
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Every child learns in their own way. Dena Maxwell's private piano lessons are tailored to your child's interests, pace, and learning style. Beginning pianists build musical foundations through encouraging, creative instruction in a welcoming home studio.
From a beginner's first notes to proud recital moments, lessons help young piano students develop skills that reach far beyond the keyboard.

Hands-on activities and creative music games help make reading, writing and creating music feel natural and rewarding.

Opportunities to celebrate progress help students become confident, expressive musicians.
Lessons meet each child where they are and grow along with them.
Reading, rhythm, listening, technique, and musical expression.
Room to explore, concentrate, imagine, and discover.
Achievable steps that make learning feel rewarding.
Your child's musical education should be full of wonderful surprises—not unexpected expenses. Our all-inclusive tuition keeps things simple and predictable for families.
More music. Less worry.
Private Piano Lessons
Sharing the joy of music for over 40 years.
With 40 years of teaching experience, Dena Maxwell brings a wealth of musical knowledge, patience, and encouragement to every piano lesson.
A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Dena earned her teaching degree, studying both piano and flute. Her musical journey also includes 15 years serving as a church pianist.
Originally from Iowa, Dena has called Illinois home since 2019.
“Dena is an excellent teacher; and we highly recommend her! She is very patient and encouraging. I like that she tailored her lessons to the individual and their music preferences. This really helped engage my children, while also learning fundamentals such as theory and technique. My children are complete opposites, yet both excelled rapidly under Dena's tutelage.”
“Dena is the absolute BEST piano teacher that my daughter has ever had. My daughter has been a student at her studio for 2 years and loves going to lessons. Dena takes the time to learn each students preferred learning style and really tailors her method to the student. I wish every teacher was like this. Before we started going to Dena's studio I thought my daughter was going to quit as she was getting discouraged, but Dena turned all of that around. Piano is the only activity my daughter has stuck with consistently and it is a real confidence booster for her to have such a kind and supportive teacher like Dena. Thank you so much for all that you do Dena. We are so grateful for you!!”
“Three of our children have been doing virtual lessons with Dena Maxwell for the last 8 months and it has been such a wonderful experience! Our daughters are 10 and 8 years old, and our son is 6 years old. We were most surprised by how engaged and enthused our 6 year old son has been with virtual lessons with Dena. All of our kids have grown to love the piano and have advanced so much in such a short span of time. We are planning an overseas move soon, and are very happy that we will be able to continue working with Ms. Dena because all lessons are virtual.”
“Dena Maxwell is excellent at what she does! Her creativity, patience, and passion for teaching not only notes but a joy of music is inspiring. She is such an encourager and makes learning piano fun. All four of my children looked forward to their lessons with Dena.”
Starting piano lessons should feel just as welcoming as the lessons themselves.
Let's meet, explore the piano, and see how lessons can fit your child's interests and goals.
Complete a simple registration form to get ready for your child's lessons.
Let the music begin! Learn, play, discover, and celebrate every new skill along the way.
Online piano lessons are also available for long-distance learners, bringing the joy of music into your home—wherever home may be.
Yes. Lessons are personalized to each child's experience and learning pace, including children who are just starting to play piano.
In Woodstock, Illinois. Dena teaches in a welcoming home studio and also offers online piano lessons for long-distance students. Contact Dena for details.
Monthly tuition is $175 for four personalized 30-minute lessons. Lesson books and learning materials, music theory activities, and recital participation are included. See the tuition details above.
You can book a trial lesson or send Dena a question to see whether the studio is a good fit for your child.
Whether your child is just beginning or ready for the next step, there's a place for curiosity, progress, and joy at the piano.
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