In order to apply something, a plan (IMO) needs to be in place..a way to attack it and attempt to know it fully...not just "snipets" There are no shortcuts...just time and WORK. One of my teachers used to tell me that I will be working on much of this stuff for the rest of my life...he was SO RIGHT. The following shows a possible method with harmony, but it can be similarly applied with rhythm, melody, dynamics, etc. The left side gives the generalized material, the right side speaks about the method...no patterns , no licks...just music.. and can be applied in the supportive or melodic role. I emphasize this to all my students and strive to it in my own #woodshed.