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I have no advice on how to learn above what's been covered. I just want to throw in another take on the importance of theory.
When I was in high school, I was almost certainly a music student first and foremost. I played three instruments and had about a dozen music credits under my belt; obviously a big part of that was learning theory and it worked for me then in the stilted, awkward way that it works for all students.
When I got out in the real world, I ended up throwing away everything I'd ever learned about theory. I don't think about it anymore; but there's a bit of a catch to that. Because I'd studied music for so long and so intensively by then, the essential parts were sort of ingrained. I don't have to think of the composition of a major scale or what the relative minor of C is (tone tone semitone tone tone tone semitone and A, respectively) anymore than I have to think about how to open a door. So I can toss the rest of it out the window and trust my instincts to steer me in the right direction, whether I'm just noodling around on my guitar or actually trying to write a piece.
It takes practice and perseverence to develop a musician's ear. Learning theory will be a big help on that path, although it's certainly not essential. But don't use the theory as a crutch. Take it, internalize it and trust your own judgement.
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I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said
- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame
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