About Ascend Move Academy

Ascend Move Academy is a cozy, warm, and professional studio located in Cedar Park, Austin, Texas.
Here, we've created an inspiring and friendly atmosphere where children feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn.

We offer classes in chess, math, the “World of Knowledge” development program, and piano.

Lessons are taught in English and Russian, and can be individual or group-based, depending on the student’s age, level, and interests.

At Ascend Move Academy, children don’t just learn — they communicate, make friends, and grow together.
Our approach is caring and personalized — we consider each child’s abilities, goals, and unique personality.

We work with both children and adults, helping everyone develop, gain confidence, and enjoy the learning process.
Our mission is to make every lesson meaningful, inspiring, and filled with positivity.

 

 

Ms. Larisa Larionova — Piano Teacher

With over 30 years of teaching experience, including the past 5 years in the United States, I offer piano lessons for both children and adults.
My education includes 7 years of professional music school training in piano performance, ensemble, accompaniment, choir, music literature, history, and theory, followed by 4 years at the Professional Music College in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where I earned a Diploma as a Piano Teacher and Accompanist.

Each lesson is individually tailored to the student’s goals — whether you want to build a strong professional foundation with theory and technique, or simply enjoy playing for personal pleasure.
I strive to inspire a lifelong love of music, helping each student develop creativity, focus, memory, taste, and emotional expression through piano.

Mr. Bogdan Shatalov — Chess and Mathematics Teacher

With over 6 years of teaching experience, I work with children of different ages, helping them develop logical thinking, creativity, and self-confidence through chess and mathematics.

I offer both individual and group lessons, preparing students for tournaments and inspiring them to enjoy the learning process.
My teaching approach is always tailored to each student’s abilities and interests, fostering not only academic growth but also a genuine love for strategy and problem-solving.

Experience
Taught at SportPlus Academy, Russian School of Charlotte, Russian Speaking School of Austin, and Hutto Music School in Charlotte, NC, and Austin, TX.
Organized school chess clubs and tournaments, and founded an educational club for children that combined chess, mathematics, natural sciences, literature, and history.

Achievements

  • President of the Chess Club at Butler High School, Charlotte, NC

  • Member of the Chess Club at Taft High School, Chicago, IL

  • Award winner and participant in statewide chess tournaments across North Carolina and Illinois

Student & Parent Testimonials

Heartfelt words from families who learn and grow with us.

My daughter has been taking piano lessons for more than 4 years with Larisa and she is very happy,
so I highly recommend her!

Inna

My son took chess and music lessons.
Larisa is truly a magician when it comes to inspiring children
and nurturing their love for music. 

I highly recommend her.

Mrs.  Nazirova

A wonderful and sensitive teacher.

Anna