It's possible to improve at lucid dreaming through direct learning, but learning the initial concepts is what will allow you to be alert and notice that you are dreaming in the first place. I'm not completely sure that it's not possible to learn the beginnings, but I'm pretty sure.
After you've learned about it just a little bit, though - yes, you likely can use direct learning to easily and effortlessly intergrate the advanced concepts with your daily sleep life. 
-youngprer
