we used to have a small sewing school. i bought Brother machines from Walmart (price range from $89 - $149) they all were good machines, the kids loved using them they held up well. I own a Viking i paid big bucks for (over $5000) but at the school the students would fight over one of the brother's over using the viking. so for a beginner i recommend an inexpensive Brother. they are user friendly, readily available, reasonably priced and will hold up for a few years till you are ready to upgrade.