Also keep in mind music is literally a language Improv is conversation, memorization is a play, and sight reading is recitation. Learning theory is like learning good grammar. It enhances your communication. But no matter how much you know about the technicalities of conjugating Spanish verbs, if you’re not familiar with the language from real world experience, you’ll have a difficult time getting around Mexico.
Proficiency is almost ALL about familiarity with the instrument. (I used CAGED for a long time before I learned that it was called CAGED. ) You can speak fluently, cause you’re so familiar with your voice and English. You use those “licks”- those signature phrases that come up in your everyday conversation. Music is no different.