<p>Oberlin is an easy commute from California - Continental and SW both fly to Cleveland and the airport is an easy and almost traffic-less ride to Oberlin. There is a large California contingent.<br>
I haven’t visited Grinnell, so I can’t speak to the campus or academics.
But for someone interested in music, I cannot imagine that any other LAC is comparable to Oberlin! There is both a classical and jazz conservatory, concerts and recitals almost daily, operas…no comparison on that front.<br>
And there is a wide array of nonmusical cultural events and little or no cost - a wonderful library and art museum, and excellent academics - second to none. The town is friendly and very inexpensive.
The best thing to do is visit both colleges and get a feel for the fit, though you probably can’t go wrong.</p>