My first lesson with any new pupil is how to clean and care for their machine. The hardest thing I have found is on new machines is getting the screws out of the sewing plate as they have been over tightened by machine. I always teach them how to take off the bottom of their machine and de-fuzz as they also need to know how to remove it to check when a needle breaks, that there is no bits in the bobbin holder or gears, don't ask me how I know! They are also taught how to polish their machines with a silicone colourless polish as this helps so much with the smoothness of fabric movement, and of course which oil to use and where to use it. They are all now proficient on looking after their machines and have never had to go to a repair man, so I must be doing something right, heehee.