Son who goes there is a very academic kid but had a double major in 2 music areas. He liked the upper level academics he took there quite a bit. He happily found more serious students there than he thought he would but I think like minded students seem to find each other where ever they go. Like most schools I think what you get out of it has a lot to do with what you put into it. Feel free to pm me with any specific questions. I know the school and the area quite well. He had a lot of opportunity at IC he would likely not have had elsewhere to play. Love Oberlin. Other son is going there next year. Is Lawrence too far? Very interesting school and they offer great merit but I do not know any about percussion there.