The Team
Who we are
Photo: Anka Zhuravleva
Arteprism Studios is a professional hub where music and visual art intersect to inspire creativity, expression, and artistic growth. The company brings together expertise in performance, teaching, photography, and artistic mentorship.
Founded by internationally renowned pianist Denis Zhdanov, who is actively sharing his perennial knowledge and experience through his educational materials on his YouTube Channel, via video courses, as well as individual lessons.
Elina Akselrud — pianist, fine art & portrait photographer, and artist researcher, collaborates closely with the studio. She contributes as a piano instructor, as well as leads photography and artistic consulting, helping emerging artists and serious learners develop their craft and realize their vision.
Why are we doing this
Arteprism exists to provide guidance, mentorship, and professional-level opportunities to serious learners and emerging artists. We believe that learning never stops — whether someone is just beginning their creative journey or preparing for advanced artistic achievements. Through piano education, consulting, photography, and curated release options, the studio helps artists develop their craft, realize projects, and reach audiences. Art transforms lives — and Arteprism Studios exists to make that transformation possible for dedicated creators.
Denis Zhdanov
Photo: Elina Akselrud
Denis Zhdanov is a Ukrainian concert pianist, teacher, and entrepreneurial educator. With a broad concerto and solo repertoire, he has performed across Europe and beyond with orchestras such as the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, Poznan Amadeus Chamber Orchestra, Festival Strings Lucerne, Camerata Lucerne, and the Lodz Philharmonic.
Denis’s teaching experience spans university-level instruction and online education. He has held academic roles in Switzerland and Austria, and his online piano school and YouTube presence have reached thousands of learners worldwide, making him a passionate advocate for imaginative, technically grounded piano playing. His approach combines artistic interpretation with practical technique, designed to support students from beginners to advanced players.
For more about Denis’s musical journey, performances, and teaching philosophy, please visit deniszhdanov.com.
Elina Akselrud
Photo: Margarita Maslennikova
Dr. Elina Akselrud is a Ukrainian‑American pianist, fine art and portrait photographer, and artist researcher. She is the artistic director of Intertwining Arts, a multidisciplinary team that creates cross-genre projects blending music with theater, live painting, video projection, dance, scent, and lighting design. Through these projects, she explores artistic interpretation, as well as historical, philosophical, and sociological themes, presenting immersive artistic experiences internationally.
Elina performs worldwide and she released her digital album of Alexander Scriabin’s Complete Piano Sonatas in 2025. Her artistic research, culminating in a doctorate with excellence from the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, Austria, examines interpretation in a crossdisciplinary context. In photography, she captures personality and character with a distinct artistic approach through cinematic portraiture.
Learn more about Elina’s crossdisciplinary projects, performances, and photography at ElinaAkselrud.com and IntertwiningArts.org.