Submit Your Article to Fermata

Each article published through Fermata's Contributor Series is eligible for 10 CMTEs.
Publication is contingent on our editorial review process and must meet professional standards.

Our Vision

Fermata exists to create a dynamic space where music therapists and allied professionals can exchange ideas, share insights, and advance the practice of music in healthcare. By removing barriers to publishing and promoting thoughtful, accessible writing, we envision a community where knowledge circulates freely, dialogue is encouraged, and the profession grows stronger through collaboration.

Publication Criteria

To be considered for publication in Fermata’s Contributor Series, submissions must meet the following requirements:

  • Professional Tone and Style
    Articles should demonstrate clarity, professionalism, and accessibility. Writing should reflect the standards expected in professional music therapy and allied healthcare publications.

  • Relevance to Music Therapy
    Submissions must clearly connect to the field of music therapy. Authors are required to align their work with at least one of Fermata's content areas, based on CBMT's Board Certification Domains.

  • Length
    Articles should be between 1,500–3,000 words, unless otherwise arranged with the editorial team.

  • Accuracy and Quality
    Submissions must be carefully proofread and free of grammatical, spelling, and typographical errors.

  • Values Alignment
    Content must be consistent with MusicMED’s core values of Commitment, Curiosity, and Community.

  • Citations and References
    When applicable, articles must include appropriate citations and references (APA style preferred). Authors are responsible for the accuracy of all references.

  • Originality and Integrity
    Submissions must be original, unpublished work. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Limited use of AI tools is permissible for editing or idea development, but the article’s substance, insights, and structure must be the author’s own. Any AI assistance should be acknowledged.

  • Editorial Review
    All submissions are subject to editorial review for clarity, relevance, and adherence to Fermata’s standards. Authors may be asked to revise before final acceptance.
Authors published in Fermata may be eligible to claim 10 CMTE credits under CBMT’s Recertification Manual (Non-Peer Reviewed Professional Publication category). Authors are responsible for maintaining the required documentation, including a citation of their article and a summary linking the work to CBMT Board Certification Domains. MusicMED does not award CMTE credits for publication. Eligibility and credit claims are determined by CBMT in accordance with its Recertification Manual. Authors should retain their citation, abstract/summary, and documentation for audit purposes. Submission of an article to Fermata does not guarantee publication. All submissions are subject to editorial review and acceptance based on relevance, quality, and alignment with the publication’s standards.

The views and opinions expressed in Fermata are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or values of Fermata’s editorial board, MusicMED, or its affiliates. 

Content Areas

Articles submitted for Fermata's Contributor Series must explore at least one of our designated content areas.
These subjects were selected to align with CBMT's Board Certification Domains.

Clinical Skills & Methods
Ethics & Scope
Burnout & Longevity
Business Skills
Sustainability & Growth

Populations & Settings
Career Advancement
Advocacy
Healthcare Systems
Technology & Innovation

Research & Outcomes
Professional Skills
Entrepreneurship
Insurance & Funding
Thought Leadership

Editorial Board

Meet Our Team

Stephen Choate, MHA, MT-BC
Editor-in-Chief
Soundwave Music Therapy
Bryan Howard, MS
Associate Editor
Peoplyst
James Riley, MM, MT-BC
Academic Advisor
Florida State University 
Trent Barrick, MT-BC, NMT
Clinical Advisor
Neuro Music Therapy
Kimberly McLaughlin
Content Strategy Advisor
Tim Tebow Group
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