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Integrating music into foreign language teaching is not a new phenomenon, but has been considered a standard approach to promoting linguistic and intercultural competences in learners for decades. However, the most recent research shows that music, and especially making music by oneself, can have numerous other influences on foreign language learners, most of which are referred to as ‘transfer effects’. This article examines both the transfer effects of active music making on the promotion of communicative and intercultural competences as well as on other personality traits that can support foreign language learning. The results of several studies are critically reflected and further research is encouraged. In the final section, it is highlighted how the learning of Romance languages in particular can benefit from a connection to making music.