The competition rules require candidates to be accompanied on instruments that are contemporary to the music they have chosen or has been stipulated.

Richard Burnett's unique collection of early keyboard instruments to be found at the Finchcocks Musical Museum provides an unrivalled and extensive choice of harpsichords and pianos from the 17th to the late 19th century and was the venue for the highly successful 2006 John Kerr Award competition. There is a personal connection also as John was a regular performer at the museum's open days where he delighted audiences with songs from the English repertoire.