The Ember Ablaze Composer Lab, led by Robert Paterson as Ember's Composer-in-Residence (CIR), offers paid commissions and travel allowances to two composers annually. One composer is aged 13-21, and the other is an emerging composer aged 22-35. They create and workshop choral works for Ember, with honorable mentions for runner-ups. The Lab involves a selection process by Ember's CIR, with finalists creating works of 3-5 minutes (youth composer) or 5-8 minutes (emerging composer). Composers can choose a cappella, or with piano, or obligato percussion instrument (hand percussion, drumset, cajon, or suspended cymbal) with or without a piano. Percussion instrumentation will need to be cleared by Ember first before the composition is written. No other instruments will be considered, just piano or obbligato percussion instruments listed here.

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.

In addition to the Composer Lab, Ember's CIR creates three new works over three years, using one composition scored for Ember and Hang Drum as a workshop tool to demonstrate the composing process. Ember's primary artists involved in the Lab are the Ember choir, Ember's Founding Artistic Director/Conductor, and the current CIR. Ember has a strong history of commissioning and performing works by living composers, actively promoting events to various audiences, including those beyond traditional choral audiences. The Ember Ablaze Composer Lab and commissions for the CIR enhance Ember's reputation locally, nationally, and internationally as a premier choir focused on contemporary music and living composers. The Lab also aims to connect young audiences with non-traditional classical audiences, ensuring Ember's continued value to the community.