Last semester, I signed up for Music 148: African Music Ensemble at UC Berkeley, taught by the legendary C.K. Ladzekpo and let me just say: it was one of the most unexpectedly fun classes I’ve ever taken.
Now, for context, I’m not a music major. I’m not even someone who would call themselves musically talented. I don’t read sheet music, and I’ve never played an instrument seriously. But none of that mattered in this class. Music 148 isn’t about perfection or theory. It’s about community, rhythm, movement, and joy. And it’s open to everyone.
Throughout the semester, we focused on traditional music and dance from Ghana. We only learned two songs in total, but each one was rich with layers of meaning, rhythm, and cultural history. The class isn’t a lecture, it’s a hands-on experience. You’re in the music, not just listening to it.
I ended up being one of the dancers in the ensemble. That meant I learned choreographed movements that accompanied the drumming patterns played by my classmates. The dancing isn’t just an accessory to the music, it’s integral. The music and the movement communicate with each other. It’s physical, expressive, and at times, challenging. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. We practiced together regularly, not just learning the steps but also understanding how the energy of the drumming guided our movements.
Meanwhile, the other students were divided across different roles. Some were drummers, learning to play traditional West African percussion instruments and memorizing complex rhythmic patterns by ear. Others were assigned to melodic instruments or hand percussion. And some students took on the role of singers, which added an entirely different dimension to our performances. The singing was vibrant, layered, and powerful. Even if I didn’t always understand the lyrics, you could feel the emotion behind every phrase. Watching the singers and instrumentalists build harmony in real time felt like being part of a living, breathing story.
And the best part? None of us were “professionals.” Most of us weren’t music majors. We were just students who showed up, practiced, and learned from each other, all under the direction of Professor Ladzekpo, who brings an incredible sense of tradition and passion to his teaching.
The highlight of the class came at the end of the semester: our final performance in Hertz Hall. Yes, the big concert space on campus. We shared the stage with students from other African music courses at Cal, and performed in front of a live audience. I danced, others drummed and sang, and for a moment, we weren’t just students, we were performers, storytellers, part of something bigger than ourselves.
If you’re a Berkeley student looking for a class that’s fun, collaborative, energizing, and a little outside your comfort zone, I highly recommend trying an ensemble class, especially Music 148. It’s not about being “good” at music. It’s about showing up, being open to new experiences, and moving to the rhythm with your classmates.
I went in not knowing what to expect. I came out with a new appreciation for African music, a performance under my belt, and a joyful memory that I’ll carry with me far beyond college.