FAQ
Reasonable questions.
Straight answers.
What is the Alephonic Mapping Method™?
A system for turning Hebrew letters into music. Every letter is a character with its own place on the scale; the order and shape of a word set the order and shape of the notes. Same word, same map, every time — then a human plays it. The long version is here →
Do I need to read Hebrew?
A little — and there's a keyboard right there. You tap the letters, so you never have to type in Hebrew or know the spelling of a word you've only heard.
Is this AI?
No — and that goes for the app too. Nothing here is generated. The Alephonic Mapping Method™ is a system Dan built and then programmed himself, rule by rule, so when the app turns your word into notes it's applying his mapping — not a model's guess at what might sound nice. What you get out of it came from him. And on the recordings, a human being sits at a piano and plays it.
Is this a nigun? Is it Jewish music?
No. It's contemporary and spacious, anchored in the letters rather than in a tradition of melody. It comes out of Torah, but it doesn't sound like anything you'd sing at a table.
How can I support the music?
There's no label behind this. $5, $18 or $36 a month keeps the weekly Alephonics podcast coming, puts your name on the Patrons wall and in the credits of any album released while you're a patron, and gets you into the behind-the-scenes WhatsApp. See the tiers →
Can I commission a piece?
Yes — a name, a date, a verse, a person. Tell me who it's for and what it's for. Start here →
Does Dan perform live?
Yes. If you're looking for a performance, use the contact form and get in touch.