But I'm still curious if there are any external tools or hacks I can lean on, 'cause finishing a whole book or wrapping up a practice session takes forever.
Sorry, but I have to say, it's probably from bingeing too many short videos that's tanking my patience these days.
Without a study area/focus, kinda difficult to recommend "Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs"[0].
What about a trip to discipline of choice version of MIT's media lab[0]. Take the applied and deconstruct the theory. Use the theory deconstructed to build new applications. Pal Alto's 'media lab' of the day worked for inspiration for Apple.
Tuning in to the music side, research history of The Beetles. "Now and Then" theme song for checking out what was innovative then vs. now. aka studio setup/figure out how to do what want vs. today's equivalent 'iPhone pocket studio'. Suppose with the relevant background, could research the friction between a music teacher instructing students with an electrical engineering background. Was that The Beetles downfall?
[0] : https://web.mit.edu/6.001/6.037/sicp.pdf [1] : https://www.media.mit.edu/
--------------------------------------
For less quantum mania, and more visual, go semiotics & architecture:
Semiotics as a Guide for Architectural Formation : https://www.be.unsw.edu.au/si tes/default/files/upload/UtzonSymposium/FERWATI%20.pdf
Function and Sign: The Semiotics of Architecture : https://marywoodarchtheory.wo rdpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/function-and-the-sign-the-semiotics-of-ar ch_u-eco.pdf
Architectural Semiotics Decoding the Language of Space : https://www.re-thin kingthefuture.com/architectural-community/a11019-architectural-semiotics-decodin g-the-language-of-space/
-----------------------------------------------------------