Alina Antonenko began her musical career studying piano under the late Reynaldo Reyes at Towson University, where she received her Bachelor’s in Piano Performance, and recently completed her second year of graduate study in Vocal Performance/Pedagogy at Shenandoah University, studying voice under Aimee Sposato. She regularly participates in collaborative performances in the Greater Baltimore and Virginia area as both singer and pianist, most recently appearing as Norina from Don Pasquale in Shenandoah’s opera scenes program. Today, Ms. Antonenko works as a music director at the St. Christopher’s Episcopal and Ferndale United Methodist Churches. She is a private piano and voice instructor and coach, an accompanist for the Department of Dance at the Shenandoah Conservatory, as well as an accompanist for singers and instrumentalists. She hopes to continue spreading her lifelong love of music through her teaching and performing.
Faculty Category: Voice Faculty
Madelyn Rader
With a dual Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Vocal Pedagogy from Lebanon Valley College, Madelyn is dedicated to nurturing the growth of musicians at every level of their journey. Whether you’re aspiring to audition for shows or colleges, pursuing a professional singing career, or just aiming to sound better in the shower, she is here to help you develop your skills, technique, performance abilities, and confidence. My experience spans all ages and skill levels, proving that it’s never too late to start mastering a new talent. Her approach to teaching is grounded in a deep understanding of vocal technique, informed by years of study with various voice and piano instructors and ongoing education with peers and mentors.
In addition to teaching, she is an active performer and advocate for accessible music education. She has tailored sensory-friendly recitals and performed in musical theater, with notable roles including the Witch in Into the Woods and Sour Kangaroo in Seussical. As the assistant vocal director for Stewartstown’s Summer Theatre program, she guides youth aged 12-19 in vocal technique and performance confidence. Madelyn’s background also includes significant experience at Lebanon Valley College, where she studied under Professor Jonathan Walker Vankuren, participated in master classes, and contributed as a teaching assistant. Madelyn’s commitment to continuous learning and growth in both teaching and performance drives my passion for helping students thrive in their musical endeavors.
Cristiana Nellies
Cristiana Nellies is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Music Education with a Vocal-General Concentration at Towson University. Ms. Nellies fell in love with music at the age of five when she began piano lessons. She began singing in choirs at a very young age, and served as Assistant Choral Director for her high school choir. She is now studying classical voice under the instruction of Professor Lori Hultgren, and serves as soprano section leader for the Towson University Chorale.
Ms. Nellies began her work as a professional church musician at the age of 18, and is currently contracted by Saint Joseph Catholic Community in Sykesville, Maryland, as a cantor and piano accompanist. She has experience performing as a featured soloist for weddings, parades, recitals, and university choral concerts. Ms. Nellies also has a significant background as a professional solo and collaborative pianist. She has accompanied soloists and ensembles for festivals, college auditions, musical theatre productions, and weddings.
Ms. Nellies’ goal as a vocal instructor is to utilize classical vocal training to apply to all musical styles. She encourages her students to sing repertoire that they enjoy, and to continue to challenge themselves throughout their musical journeys. Through prioritization of technique and vocal health, her mission as an educator is to produce healthy, confident singers.