I was wondering if it is worth the time to take a Python learning course, or if there are more specific courses that would ocus more on coding and expressions in Houdini specifically? I'm perfectly willing to spend time learning proper Python techniques, but I don't want to be a programmer, do I want to know if it will be of long term benefit. Thanks.

It's perfectly possible to get through using Houdini without using Python. That being said, it's always a good idea to know it since it can make various things easier.

I don't know that a Python course thing is really necessary. There isplenty of free learning materials online that should be more than adequate. Once you have a decent enough understanding of Python, the HOM documentation will help you learn the Houdini side of things. It also contains some ideas of where to start.

http://www.sidefx.com/docs/houdini11.1/hom/ [sidefx.com]

Thanks Graham!