One thing to do is ear training. That is, listen to a series of notes being played and afterwards try to repeat them. It's like learning to crawl before you can walk. Additionally, I would reccommend buying the book "Approaching the Standards".
Yes. Learn the sclaes, even the funny ones that no one ever uses any more. You have to know your instrument like you know your best friend. Learn alternate fingerings, etc.
Learn to play my ear. I think it's good to be able to sing (properly) because it really helps you learn to play by ear. If you can't sing properly, I strongly suggest you learn. It's fun too.
To practice, I like to compose my own little two like pieces of music with my oboe. This helps you with playing by ear and knowing your instrument.
These are just a couple of things to do to practice the basics. These aren't direct ways to practice for what you want to do, but it will really help.
