In the Zen

In the Zen

Music, Film, Guitar, Writing, Self-Mastery. Fun.

TESTIMONIALS

What People Are Saying

โ€œWell there may be 8 million guitarists in the world, but Kerilie McDowall is certainly one of the best. Guitar Player magazine calls her playing 'smooth and elegant,' to which I would add, intelligent, and original. โ€

Paul Grant

Host CBC Hot Air, Vancouver, BC. ( June 12, 1999) Produced by Neil Ritchie

โ€œKerilie McDowall fronts a first-rate jazz quintet...Labels listen up...a very talented musician." โ€œSmooth, elegant playing...warm relaxing tones.โ€ โ€œMost impressive are her composing skills.โ€

Guitar Player

Spotlight Feature

โ€œKerilie McDowall emerged in the 1990s as the leading female voice in jazz guitar in Canada. Lyrically original in both the melodic sense and harmonic concept. And she SWINGS! โ€

Al Johnston

Bassist/composer/bandleader

โ€œKerilie is a rare combination of ardent supporter, facilitator, and artist. Whether itโ€™s journalism, broadcasting, filmmaking, educating, or her own music making, Kerilieโ€™s contribution to the creative music ecosystem is immense! โ€

Stephen Lyons

Guitarist/songwriter, JUNO Award winner, Fond Of Tigers

โ€œKerilie is an excellent guitar teacher and person. She was extremely patient and kind with my son. He really enjoyed his lessons and looked forward to them. If we hadn't moved out of the area he would still be going. I highly recommend her. โ€

Jam Drones (Jaret Jones)

customer

โ€œKerilie has a great personality very easy to work with and is highly skilled. โ€” John Nelson, Nanaimo Computer.com, Nanaimo, BC โ€

John Nelson

Nanaimocomputer.com

โ€œKerilie's vast scope of relevant and versatile expertise within the music and media industry combined with her genuine love for the arts and artists makes her incredibly approachable, fun and inspiring to work with. She is so genuine, easy to talk to, and generous with her knowledge. As artists in an ever-evolving industry, defining a clear trajectory can be challenging at the best of times but with Kerilie's mentorship, I have been able to gain a substantial amount of clarity and direction in just a very short time. Working with Kerilie has made me excited about my next steps as I pursue a career in the arts. This has been a deeply empowering experience as an emerging artist and one that I highly recommend to any aspiring musician looking to take their career to the next level. โ€” Emily Best (musician/songwriter) Workshop participant โ€

Emily Best

Musician/Pianist/Composer

โ€œKerilie fully understands her creative role in radio. She has consistently illustrated her dedication and commitment in this capacity over time. Many have benefited greatly from her inviting radio show in the United States and internationally... As Founder of Stiletto Awards, I commend you for your commitment and capability to successfully embrace the many colors of the music genre while maintaining your place in the media landscape using your God-given gifts. โ€” Chairperson, Cynthia Brown Wilson, Founder of the Stiletto Awards
(Black Women In Jazz & The Arts Awards, Atlanta, Georgia, USA), 2016. โ€

Cynthia Brown Wilson

โ€” Chairperson, Founder of the Stiletto Awards (Black Women In Jazz & The Arts Awards, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 2016.)Black Women In Jazz & The Arts Awards

โ€œKerilie is one of those rare people who really understands music and art while also understanding how to share it in a way that is efficient and beneficial to both the artist and the artform. With her contagious passion and energy, she reminded me of the importance and meaning of this fascinating career path and the importance and value of hard work. Kerilie is deeply passionate about art and people, she is generous, inspiring and supportive and is a great source of knowledge, which are all qualities that contribute to her being an outstanding teacher. โ€”Gentiane Michaud-Gagnon (a.k.a. Gentiane MG) โ€

Gentiane MG

Jazz Pianist/composer

โ€œYou will fall in love with the personality behind the great Rick Kilburn in this intimate and fascinating documentary short. โ€” FILMHAUS Berlin โ€

FILMHAUS Berlin

Film Festival, Germany

โ€œIf youโ€™re a music lover then the short film documentary In the Zone: Rick Kilburn, Vancouver Island Bassist and Producer is a must-watch. โ€”Film Daily โ€

Film Daily

Film Daily

โ€œI believe you will find Kerilie a welcome addition to your team. She is a pleasure to work with. โ€”Kathleen Darby, Executive Director of the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music, 2016โ€

Kathleen Darby

Executive Director, Nanaimo Conservatory of Music, 2016

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions