A growing number of older adults are engaging in music-making to support successful ageing. Older adults report that music-making opportunities should be motivating, accessible, social, and consider the non-homogeneous musical tastes of the groups. Keyboard and choral programs were designed to promote the uptake of music-making in later life. The programs included conventional note reading, rhythm and technique drills, and repertoire. Students received a 90-minute group lesson once a week for 12 weeks, with 30 minutes of daily practice suggested. The aim of this case study was to explore how older adults engage with music-making and integrate it into daily life to promote healthy ageing. Francesca (73) and James (72) took part in a semi-structured interview about their experiences as older beginners. They reflected on their successes and challenges in a 12-week music course, their confidence and motivation to continue, and the ways they remain engaged with music. The interview was transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Francesca and James felt “intimidated” and “fearful” of learning music later in life, yet remained motivated by the perceived benefits for healthy ageing. They enjoyed learning in a group and felt a safety in numbers, believing that one-to-one lessons created too much pressure for adult beginners. They reported that their “minds had sharpened” and that a regular practice regimen supported their progress, enabled by strong work ethics and realistic goal-setting developed earlier in life. Looking to the future, Francesca and James now regard music-making as an integral part of their lives and continue to pursue it through group lessons, one-to-one instruction, and app-based platforms. This case study demonstrates that participation in a short introductory course can help older adults reimagine themselves as capable musicians. Perseverance, regular practice, and realistic goal-setting were identified as key transferable skills for successful music learning in later life. Future research will explore how facilitators can best optimise group learning for adult beginners.