Writing with an Amateur
As you grow more as a songwriter, you will find that you enter more co-writing sessions in which you are the most skillful craftsperson. Other writers will look to you for guidance and you will need to step up to the plate as a dominant force in your sessions. So how can you go about being an effective leader when you're writing with more amateurish writers?
Let's first start by confirming that writing with less seasoned writers will benefit you. This is especially true when you are writing with artists looking to release music. In these cases, you are more likely to secure the cut and develop relationships with young artists who want to put their trust in you. When you are the more skilled force in this scenario, it is your job to manage the session in a way that gets you the cut.
The easiest way to make these sessions winning experiences is to make your co-writer feel comfortable. Positive feedback, free flowing conversation, a "yes and" attitude, and questions that engage your co-writer are all ways to ensure that you're drawing the best out of your co-writer. Treat your co-writer of any skillset as an equal and you'll see the energy of your session guide you to a better song. If you are able to achieve this, you'll have greater input with the writer or artist you're working with in future sessions.
The language you use when communicating with new talent is essential. Lacking experience, they might be more inclined to be defensive or less open to input. Your communication will need to cut through this reality.
When they put forth a line you think could be better, push back gently - "That's a cool suggestion. I think that a better line is out there. Let's keep pushing." If they are quiet and unsure of themselves, try to get them out of their shell with words of encouragement - "Hey, this song is great so far. The lines you came up with are some of the song's best. Where do you think it should go from here?" Gentle language that uplifts an amateur will help you build a strong relationship in a short amount of time.
Discomfort helps us grow. That's why working with people who are better than us is so exciting. Sometimes you get to be that person, the one who is the most skilled and self-assured in the writing room. Take advantage of those situations by being kind, gentle, and inclusive. Employing a strategy in which everyone feels like they can contribute will contribute to your own success.