Slackmaster2K said:
Cubase and Logic are both famous for having steep learning curves...so yes, you did start with the hard ones.
Your real problem is that you just want to get into "production", which is a vague sort of thing to be getting into in the first place. I can't imagine a producer every *needing* to learn an audio application.
Why do you want to learn protools? You know you can't use LE without an interface...so learning on your own might not be an option unless you have access to a studio or already invested in the hardware...which again would be weird for a producer 
Re-reading your post, it sounds like you are really headed off in the wrong direction...filled with marketing buzz and high hopes!
A producer: somebody who keeps things moving - seeing a project through from start to finish. This person doesn't have to have any engineering experience (e.g. they might not touch knobs, they won't be software wizards, etc), they're just there to make sure the project comes out the way the band or label wants it to. A producer has a good ear and knows what's going to be successful. Often times producers are accomplished musicians who can help a group arrange music, find clever sounds, etc (and sell their souls!).
An engineer: somebody who is actually involved in the recording process. He might be responsible for tracking, mixing, and/or mastering a project. These are the guys who do the real recording work. They are usually musicians as well, at least to some degree. A successful engineer has great ears and knows the difference between good sounds and bad sounds (which is harder than it sounds).
Sometimes engineers act like producers and sometimes producers act like engineers.
So where exactly do you want to be involved? How will learning Protools LE get you there?
Slackmaster 2000
Slack....I appreciate this reply as well! You can say that again about me starting off with the tough apps. Marketing buzz and high hopes? Maybe...But what's wrong with having high hopes?
Perhaps I'm using the wrong terminology in stating what I want to do and/or be. I have songs in my head that I want to get out of my head and bring to life, period.
I want to go from A-Z, meaning, take my songs, gather my desired effects/instruments, artists, recording/editing tools, then record my songs. From there, I'll edit them then press them to CD, vinyl or other format. That's it! It's just that simple what I want to do. Even if I cannot do all of this myself, I plan to do 80% of it at least.
So, if bringing a song to life in this way labels a person a "recording engineer" then I yes, want to be a recording engineer. It's so easy to say "producer" but if that's not correct, I'll cease using that term. Or, would such a person be considered a music arranger?
Does this help explain my goal a bit more? Given this clarification, what do you feel about the PT class now for me or any newbie in my position for that matter?
I thank everyone else who's offered advice as well, from geekgurl on down! I like what you pointed out too cordura about the advantage of PT. I'm all for simplicity in getting a job done. Also, that's another great tip you shared RWhite, about digging in first (like all others have said), then shooting the teacher with head on, specific questions if I were to go forth with this class.
You all are great!
Phree
