Pinyin is very important.Because it's the base of pronunciation.Then you need the language environment to practice more and more.

Yes.Pinyin is basic. 

To understand the pronunciation of characters you need a pinyin. pinyin has own rules, so you need to pay attention to it.

With all do respect to Tanya, Pinying is not the way to go. It will do you a good job of confusion.

Start with learning the characters themselves. trust me, they aren't that difficult. It will also help you remembering the tones.

Give it a go and you'll see

The first month focus on pinyin, learn words