They wanted to address that need immediately, not way down the road. So we started off with a tune the student wanted to play. I'd arrange it on the spot. By doing that I set a trap. As a student's vision and artistic passion evolve, students realize they need skills.
Technique is a means toward an end.
The individualization evolved over time. That way I developed a whole site reading program which is now huge. A computer music program enabled me to tailor pieces for each student and track their effectiveness. That implies that the student has a choice. I encourage them to write music on their own.