Dena Levy was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where she began playing the French horn at the age of ten. Throughout high school, she was actively involved in numerous musical organizations, including the Lone Star Youth Wind Orchestra and the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra.

In the fall of 2019, Dena began pursuing her Bachelor of Music in French Horn Performance at the University of Michigan, studying under Professors Adam Unsworth and Bryan Kennedy. She graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance.

In the fall of 2023, Dena continued her studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she pursued a Master’s degree in French Horn Performance under the instruction of Professors Gail Williams and Jon Boen. She completed her Master’s degree in June 2025.

Shortly after graduation, Dena won the position of Utility/Assistant Horn with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic in June 2025 and was granted tenure in May 2026.

In addition to her performing career in Colorado, Dena maintains an active teaching studio in Dallas, where she teaches at her former middle school and high school.

Dena has also participated in several prestigious music festivals, including the Brevard Music Center, Chautauqua Music Festival, and the Tanglewood Music Center over the past several years.