Who is responsible for the learning outcomes for a student in higher instrumental education? The issue of students having influence and responsibility over their instrumental learning is a complex question. Based on research, this article discusses three questions. First, the relationship between teachers and students in instrumental lessons; second, the role of the students as practitioners: how independent and responsible their practice behaviour is; third, an institution's role in students' learning. Both teachers and students work in an educational institution. The institutional responsibility for students' learning is the most neglected area of students' learning generally.