Singer used to be a good machine (love my featherweight) but I don't think they are made with the same quality anymore. I'd avoid them. Classes have proven very valuable to me. I have been sewing for a lot of years and there is always something new to learn.
I have 2 machines that I use regularly. One I bought new & had classes and the other was given to me so I had to learn as I go. I just feel like there is so much more the machine does but I just don't know what to do.