Martin Agee is a Broadway violinist who volunteers with abused dogs recovering at the ASPCA.

Agee plays calming classical music by Bach, Handel, and Mozart for the dogs, and he says they immediately stop barking and curl up in their beds when he begins.

Victoria Cussen, director of applied behavior research on the ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team, told Insider that classical music performances have been shown to reduce stress in shelter dogs.

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When Martin Agee walks into an ASPCA animal shelter, the dogs get excited — expecting to be fed or perhaps to go for a walk. But they're in for an even better treat when he takes out his violin and begins to play.

Agee, a violinist who has played for over 40 Broadway cast albums including "Fiddler on the Roof," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "The Color Purple," "Legally Blonde," and the upcoming revival of "West Side Story," is also a volunteer with the ASPCA. When he's not busy rehearsing or performing, he plays soothing classical music for dogs recovering from abuse.

Take a look inside the ASPCA's New York City animal shelter to see just how powerful the healing effects of music can be.