We actually spend years doing research before we come out with a DVD. We hold discussion groups, chats, and we really read the E-mails when people write saying how much help they need. We take a DVD concept and we focus. Rather than doing a DVD on many different subjects, we take the time to focus on a particular subject, so you can really get the concepts. We take a great deal of time and effort producing these DVD’s with tons of overdubs, re-writes, and sleepless nights to make sure that after you purchase our DVD’s, you will definitely be a better player. Our DVD’s our not to be put on the shelf to enjoy the show. We get you motivated enough and make you believe you can do these concepts. My teaching style has been very controversial, but it has been very effective and our goal is for you to know without a doubt that when you buy a Jamal Hartwell DVD, that YOU WILL GET BETTER.

Teaching Style
My teaching style is a mixture of everything. For the local musicians who does not know music, I can communicate in the language that you can understand, because that is how I learned. So my style of teaching would fit you perfectly, because I speak in your language. I come from where you come from. I grew up playing for a storefront church like you did. So when I teach, I’m not above you, I am your brother and can speak in your language.

For the people who know theory I challenge you to think a different way. You will see as my DVD’s have evolved, I have begun to combine theory and ear training synergistically. I am able to fuse both worlds together to challenge both theory heads and ear players alike. Remember, BOTH ARE NECESSARY and I will refuse to let you rely on sheet music alone, rather I challenge you to use your ear so that you don’t sound like me, but sound like who God created you to be!

High Quality Sound– Professionally mixed and mastered.
Our DVD’s have the highest possible quality. We actually take the extra effort to get our audio mixed and mastered to sound amazing in your computer or DVD player. We take the time to cut the MIDI and audio examples and sync them up to match. We take very detailed effort in applying effects and digital sound processing techniques to make the DVD sound just as professional as a mastered CD.

Wide Screen Format (16:9)
We don’t stay stuck in the ice ages. Remember my degree is in Electrical Engineering and Physics, so it is important to me that we keep up with the latest technology possible. Our DVD’s our shot and produced in Wide Screen format to keep up with the newest monitors and flat screen TV’s that are now the standard in the industry.

RLA Technology – Real Life Application
How many instructional DVD’s have you seen where it’s just a keyboard player and an overhead view with no live band to really show you the movement. We give you real life application. If we need a band, then we get a band. If no band is needed, then we give you what you need to experience real life situational gigging? Remember, I have been playing for years and I know what you are going to need. I don’t just train you for where you’re at, but I train you for where you are going. The live band will give you skills on how to play with a bass player and what chords to play if there is a live band. We provide you tools like we did with GK cribs where we take you right inside my personal studio and guide you step by step on how I personally learn songs by ear. Just being able to see my iTunes and my keyboard setup will completely change your mindset on learning songs. Another example is for the progressions. Not only do we give you progressions, but we play them in audio and on MIDI so you can hear how the progression is suppose to be used. This is what we call RLA or REAL LIFE APPLICATION!

Near HD Quality (Upgrade)
The only reason why we haven’t provided Blu-Ray or HD discs is because we are not there yet with this technology. We do provide the highest level of rich video quality that is near HD quality. This level of quality is very important when trying to see the fingers, the keys, and the lit keys and many other DVD’s don’t take this level of detail in their production. We know it’s very important for you to see my fingers and keys that’s why we made sure we implemented the highest level of DVD quality so you don’t miss ANYTHING!

LMS Technology with Larger MIDI Screen
We have upgraded our LMS (Live MIDI Sync) system to display larger keys on the screen. We know how important it is for you to catch EVERYTHING that you see and hear on your instructional DVDs, so we upgraded our LMS system to be able to display a larger virtual keyboard with lit up keys and with richer colors so you can see all of the notes. Obviously, we still have the overhead keyboard as well so you can see my fingers.