Background
Costen, Melva Wilson was born on May 29, 1933 in Due West, South Carolina, United States. Daughter of John Theodore and Azzie Lee (Ellis) Wilson.
consultant music and workshop educator
Costen, Melva Wilson was born on May 29, 1933 in Due West, South Carolina, United States. Daughter of John Theodore and Azzie Lee (Ellis) Wilson.
AB, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina, 1953. Master of Arts, University North Carolina, 1964. Doctor of Philosophy, Georgia State University, 1978.
Elementary teacher public schools, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, 1952—1955. Music teacher public schools Nash County, 1955—1965. Music enrichment teacher Atlanta Public Schools, 1965—1973.
Associate professor music and worship Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, since 1973, chairperson curriculum revision, 1982—1985. Visiting professor liturgical studies Yale Institute of Sacred Music.
Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (director choir albums 1978-1979, 1984, Golden Dove award 1976).
Married James Hutten Costen, May 24, 1953. Children: James Hutten, Craig Lamont, Cheryl Leatrice.