About the Lab

The Ember Ablaze Composer Lab, led by Robert Paterson as Ember’s Composer-in-Residence (CIR), is excited to open the Ember Ablaze Composer Lab (EACL) for submissions for the 2024-25 season, with the goal of commissioning three young composers:

  • A high school-aged composer living within NYC, aged 13-18*
  • A young composer between the ages of 13 and 21* (any nationality)
  • An emerging composer between the ages of 22 and 35* (any nationality)

*Age parameters are ‘as of the date of October 15th.’

They participate in meetings, workshops, and public performances in Manhattan and Montclair. The Lab aims to support young composers, provide opportunities for experimentation, and promote contemporary music and living composers.

Deadlines

  • October 15: deadline for submissions.
  • November 1: announcement of winning composers and honorable mentions
  • November 15: introductory Zoom meetings with EACL composers, Dr. Robert Paterson, Ember’s composer-in-residence, and Dr. Deborah Simpkin King, Ember’s Founding Artist Director. Winning composers should submit text suggestions before this meeting.
  • December 15: submit final texts for approval. After which, Robert schedules two more private Zoom or in-person meetings with both composers to discuss pieces and check in on progress.
  • January 20: final composition submitted
  • February 4: EACL live workshop with Ember
  • February 18: rehearsals begin for the May concert
  • March 10: EACL composer final draft due
  • May 2 and 4: final concert(s), including EACL pieces

There is a $50.00 submission fee. Applicants in financial hardship may apply for a fee waiver through Acceptd, for more information about the fee waiver click HERE. Once your fee has been paid, it is non-refundable.

Application Requirements

  • Letter of recommendation
  • CV (PDF)
  • Three original pieces (PDFs with corresponding audio or video links) that best represent their compositional style. It is recommended that at least one of the pieces be a choral or vocal work, if possible, but choral or vocal works are optional. Submissions should be in the form of PDFs for scores and audio file links.

Key Points and Goals

  • Performances: Ember will perform all three pieces within a year of their completion; at least one of the three will be premiered in the May concert of the award season.
  • Commission Fees: the emerging composer will receive a $1,000 commission, and each young composer will receive a $500 commission. Travel and accommodations are the responsibility of the winning composers.
    • Winning composers must attend the live workshop on February 4th, the dress rehearsal (the day of the first performance), and the two performances.
    • Letters of invitation can be provided to composers requiring a visa to enter the US.
  • Work Duration: 5-8 minutes for the emerging composer’s work; 3-5 minutes for the young composers’ works.
  • Instrumentation possibilities: a cappella; with piano; with obligato percussion instrument/s (hand percussion, drumset, cajon, or suspended cymbal). Percussion instrumentation will need to be cleared by Ember before the composition is written. No instruments beyond the piano and the obligato percussion instruments listed here will be considered.
  • There are no stylistic limitations; however, works making use of the potential beauty and expressiveness of the choral ensemble are encouraged. Typically, Ember performs a mix of contemporary classical works and a variety of pop music arrangements and pieces inspired by music from around the world. Submissions fitting any of these descriptions and/or mixing them in a crossover genre are welcomed. We recommend reviewing Ember’s videos on YouTube to understand Ember’s style of programming.
  • The composed piece must be original. Arrangements and transcriptions will not be accepted. Any pre-existing or A.I.-generated material must be identified in any of the scores submitted as part of the portfolio, and in the potential commissioned composition, itself.
  • IMPORTANT: We recommend that composers review Composing For The Voice: Suggestions and Guidelines, written by Robert Paterson, our composer-in-residence, before selecting compositions to share as part of your portfolio; it is a requirement before composing your piece, should you be selected.
  • Performing ensemble: Ember, of Ember Choral Arts, is an ensemble of ca. 25-30 singers, and is a mix of professional and experienced avocational singers.
  • All rights to the musical compositions and texts will remain with the respective authors. Ember Choral Arts retains all rights to the recordings (i.e., video links and audio files will be given to composers for posting on sites, social media, etc., but are not for use for sale or professional release or placement in films and other media, online or otherwise).
  • Ember is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Please click here to learn more about our policy.