Seeker - I highly recommend getting started with the Maya personal learning edition. There's also a MotionBuilder personal learning edition - which is an easy way to learn some of the dynamics of character animation. Plus, the sample characters in MB are already rigged and ready to be animate, which lets you focus on keyframing and things like that. Also, you get to see how mocap gets applied to characters, and how you can make changes to it. If you're in L.A. ... check out the Gnomon Workshop. I think the classes are pricey (they also have DVD tutorials) but they are well regarded in the industry. good luck!