New York ( CNN ) -- It is fear that drives Dale Henderson down into the subways , lugging his large case . `` I caught some fear from some other musicians that classical music is dying and in 100 years there will be no more classical music . I ca n't believe that 's true . I mean , it scares me to my soul if it were true . '' So he sits with his cello on a New York subway platform and plays Bach as a sort of CPR to keep his style of music alive . Henderson has played cello since the age of 5 , making his professional debut at age 13 with the Buffalo Philharmonic and earning a degree from the New England Conservatory of Music . When he first moved to New York in 2008 , he played for tip money that he needed to survive . He now supports himself by teaching cello and playing at recitals and solo performances . Henderson stopped accepting tips in 2009 and began focusing on Bach Solo Cello Suites . His website says he chose them because their `` power and beauty unfailingly inspire great appreciation , joy and deep emotion in those who hear them . '' `` From the first time I ever started Bach in the Subways , I had a sense of conviction of the value of what I 'm doing , '' he said . `` I think that Bach in the Subways is providing something meaningful to the people who hear it . '' Some commuters immerse themselves in the harmonic sounds as they pull out their cameras to record the experience , and others just stare , as if they are captivated by the ambience . Postcards propped on his silver music stand read , `` I do not take donations . '' `` I do n't collect donations while I play , because on the most simple level , it pollutes the experience for myself and everyone listening , '' he said . `` I think the most obvious answer to the question why am I doing this without collecting money on my own time is that I love it , '' he said . `` The interest is growing , so I think it 's working . '' Some listeners take a postcard from the music stand to learn more about Henderson and his music . `` The most memorable , satisfying moments happen when there 's a group of people listening to me and connecting with the music , and it creates this other space -- this other realm that we can all come together in . And that 's an incredible thing ... that 's the magic of music . ''
Dale Henderson gives cello concerts in New York subway stations . `` Bach in the Subways is providing something meaningful '' to people who hear it , he says . He does n't ask for donations , gives out postcards about music . Henderson says he feels `` the magic of music '' when a group gathers to listen .