Note reading practice:
Go to https://www.musictheory.net/ . Select Exercises at the top. Select Note Identification. Use the Gear in the top right corner to customize practice. I can give you specific customizations appropriate for your student’s level if you are interested.
Keyboard vs Piano:
Traditional Piano pros: If you take care of it, it will have a much longer lifespan than a keyboard. When it comes down to it, nothing beats a traditional piano that’s in decent shape for tone and feel. But you can often find free pianos that are in such bad shape, a good keyboard is better.
Traditional Piano cons: They are either costly or heavy to move; most moving companies charge extra if you have a piano. You should be mindful of where you place your piano. They are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity, so usually interior walls are best. But if your house is well insulated, an exterior wall will work, just don’t place it where it will constantly be in direct sunlight. They need to be tuned by a professional once a year.
Keyboard pros: A decent new keyboard is much less expensive than a new piano. It is easily moved. It is inexpensive to maintain; just keep it dusted.
Keyboard cons: They have a shorter lifespan than a piano. They don’t have the same artistic response a traditional instrument has.
Purchasing guides
Keyboard purchasing guide: Full size, weighted keys are preferable. 66 keys minimum, but 88 keys are preferred. You’ll want a keyboard that provides dynamic play; in other words, it sounds louder or quieter depending on how hard you press the keys. Another plus is a sustain pedal or the ability to purchase one as an accessory later.
Used piano guide: This is not comprehensive, as I am not a piano maintenance professional, but here are some things to look at before you accept an inexpensive/free piano.
• The keys should look like straight teeth, not crooked.
• Play the keys: are there a lot of buzzes and rattles and more than a couple unplayable or stuck keys? This may result in costly repairs or mean it is not repairable.
• When you raise the top, the hammer wood should be blonde, not brunette. Darker hammer wood indicates humidity damage.
• The hammer felt might have some grooving, but deep grooves indicate additional expense upon your first tuning appointment (assuming they can be fixed).
• Check the sustain pedal works (the right pedal). When the pedal is pressed down, played notes should ring out even after you take your finger off the key. They should quiet again when you release the pedal.
• It’s always best to have it inspected by a technician prior to purchase from an individual if your budget allows.