or the hand cupped behind the ear. It s done for a very good reason it enables the singer to hear himself? herself better.

If anyone still doubts this, there was a very interesting clip in a BBC programme about Leonard Bernstein a while ago. Jose Carreras (of the Three Tenors) was being given a hard time by Bernstein in rehearsal - Bernstein was known as a hard taskmaster. On his 3rd attempt at the troublesome line, Carreras cupped his hand behind his ear.

What's good enough for a top operatic tenor is good enough for me.