I have a specific editing style, so while you're allowed to say which shots you'd like removed, it's more difficult to ask if we can change our whole approach.
In regards to music, I always use non-copyrighted music. That way you won't get into any legal issues when posting the films. However, in the initial few meetings, I would ask if they have some of their music tastes and I would find non-copyrighted songs similar to those.