My first machine was a Brother from Wal-Mart, I think I paid $150 for it. It could do everything that I ever needed it to do. That machine lasted 10 years without ever being serviced or clean. I recently solid it at a garage sale (I probably shouldn't have) but it was still working fine. I finally upgraded to an electronic one--it's a Brother and I love it! (I'm a huge fan of Brother machines, they're little work horses and so simple to use) I don't know much about Viking, but for a first machine I wouldn't invest all the money in something like that. I would get a pretty basic one so you can learn the ins and outs. If it's something that you really enjoy, you can move up after that and you'll be familiar with all of the features that you need and don't. As far as sewing classes, of course when you buy from wal-mart or a big retail store you aren't going to have the classes available but I would check your local park system--ours is BREC. They offer all types of classes from sewing to dance to scrapbook, etc. And it's soooo cheap--practically free. Also check with your local churches. A few churches in Baton Rouge offer free sewing, knitting, crochet classes, etc. They're taught by some little old ladies there and to me, that's where you get the best info. Good luck and happy sewing
Theresa