When I did my class the teacher had us write our name with the machine as one of the first exercises. She said as it is something we are very familiar with we wouldn't have to try to work out which direction we should be going next. I found it really helpful just to get comfortable with speed and moving the fabric.
Also to breathe and relax your shoulders. I still find I hold my breath sometimes, but I am improving. :mrgreen:
Another thing that I have learned is that not all sewing machines FMQ with the feed dogs down. I had all sorts of trouble with tension with my Brother with them down, but it worked beautifully with them up. :?