American Idol Jon Peter Lewis, an amazing singer and songwriter, had the wonderful opportunity to teach at Idol Camp last summer.

The wait is almost over! Jon's second album release "Break the Silence" is planned for this Spring. Watch for his new single "Break the Silence" which will be available for download on March 18th.

Now, he shares with us his experience and how much he enjoyed being able to connect with the kids one on one. BONUS: He is teaching again this summer!

Nicole: Jon, you definitely have a fan club from Idol Camp last summer. Does it feel good to be a role model for kids?

Jon: Yes, I enjoy it. I just do my best and I feel that it is important to live your life like people are watching you. Everyone gets a chance to be a role model to someone.

Nicole: How was your experience at Idol Camp last summer?

Jon: You get what you give. I really enjoyed being around the kids. It is important for them to reach out and know who their role models are on a more personal level. They get an opportunity to see the reality of it all.

Nicole: How do you think Idol Camp has helped those kids who attended last summer?

Jon: It provided them with opportunities that they may have not been given elsewhere. I have an example from the rhythm and blues class. There was this girl in my class who insisted she could not play the drums and was really shy about it. She gave it a shot anyway and later on I overheard her saying, "I play the drums". The attitude that "I can do something" and the idea that "I can CREATE and I can DO" is extremely important.

Nicole: Was there a specific teacher or any camps that really left an impact on you when you were young?

Jon: Yes, my high school choir teacher is one of my biggest influences. She was a great musician and an all around nice person. She was a very stabilizing influence for me in my formative years. I also attended a lot of Boy Scout camps. There were so many lessons and experiences that I remember to this day. There is so much going on and you work hard in such a short period of time.

Nicole: You are known for your super vocals, and your song writing is fantastic. What inspires you most when writing your songs?

Jon: I am inspired by the things around me, personal experiences, and the things I see. I often wonder what it would be like and that kind of experience somehow translates itself into a song.

Nicole: Have you always known that you wanted to sing?

Jon: I have been singing since I was a kid. I grew up with music in my house. My father was a professional musician and he was always accompanying me. I always imagined and assumed that one day I would be a musician. There was a time period when I was not really making that a reality, but once I turned 24, I made the decision to audition for "American Idol" in Hawaii. I went from being a student to launching a career in music!

Nicole: Yes, you did! Your dream became your reality. What do you do to prepare before a big performance?

Jon: I do my best to block everything out and relax. I work hard on the preparation a head of time.

Nicole: Do you have any words of encouragement for those aspiring artists looking to stay motivated?

Jon: Learn today the kind of artist that you want to be. Find your artistic identity now!!