This study aimed to assess the perceived impact of young people's active engagement in ensemble music making. Sixty-two non-music university students were asked to report on the impact that their participation in music making had on their lives. The data were analysed using Atlas.ti software. There was a reported positive impact on social, musical and personal skills. Students' comments on the social benefits they gained from music making were mostly associated with their enjoyment of interacting with like-minded people in a friendly and relaxing environment. The development of musical skills was particularly valued as a significant benefit of making music in groups. The most important finding was the perceived impact of music making in students' personal lives in both the short term and long term. Alongside those perceived benefits, some challenges to ensemble music making were expressed. These are presented and discussed in terms of their practical implications. The case of a single mother that presented particular interest regarding her experiences in a popular band is also reported in a separate sub-section. A comparison is finally drawn with music students' perceptions of participative music making. (Contains 1 figure and 5 tables.)