Known for bringing his playful dynamism and passion for music into the classroom, he teaches courses ranging from music theory to rock history, and directs [sic]--the Stanford Improvisation Collective. For the past 25 years, he has invented instruments by mounting assorted items to soundboards and playing them with everything from chopsticks to knitting needles. Professor Applebaum's music ranges from solo to orchestral works, electronic pieces to musical theater. His compositions challenge conventional musical ontology: a concerto for florist, works for three conductors and no players, choreographed hand gestures, etc. He has received commissions from Betty Freeman, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Harvard's Fromm Foundation, the Paul Dresher Ensemble, and the Vienna Modern Festival, among others.