Our Experienced Music Teachers
All of School of Rock Cedar Park’s music teachers are experienced musicians devoted to helping students attain musical proficiency. Our instructors guide students one-on-one to personalize learning, inspire confidence and build social skills.
Jerry Hayek
Co-Owner and General Manager
As school Co-Owner and General Manager, Jerry brings a diverse background. A Galveston, TX native, Jerry has over 25 years in corporate business in Houston, San Francisco and Seattle, including senior marketing roles at Microsoft, Exxon, several advertising agencies and his own marketing consulting firm, Since 2014, Jerry has been involved with School of Rock, where he previously built two schools and held the role of Vice President of Operations for a multi-unit franchisee. Jerry combines his passion for music as a performing bassist and guitarist, with his business acumen to deliver the very best music education experience for customers and staff. Jerry holds a Bachelor of Business and an MBA from the University of Houston.
Geneva Hitzel
Assistant General Manager
As a born and raised Houstonian, hearing 94.5 "the Buzz" blasting throughout her parent's minivan as a child was the introduction that established Geneva's devotion to the world of rock n roll. She often claims hearing live bands play is one of life's greatest experiences and that everyone should attend a show at least once in their life.
She was enrolled in vocal/choral classes through her secondary education. With any love of the arts, Geneva strived to be able to pursue her goals in a more professional setting. Therefore, she majored in management and marketing at the University of Houston. After, she followed her love for music and live performance to the live music capital of the world to live out her dreams as assistant general manager at the School of Rock in Cedar Park.
Kate Magierski
Studio Coordinator
Born in San Antonio but raised in Austin, you could say Kate was raised with rock music. With this love for music, Kate found passion in the visuals associated with show posters and album covers. Apart from attending shows and making art, she studies visual design at Austin Community College.
Kate Simpson (Kate Angel)
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Kate is a dynamic force in the world of music and a dedicated instructor at the School of Rock in Cedar Park. As an alt-rock singer-songwriter and music producer from Austin, TX, Kate embodies a unique blend of classic rock soul and modern alt-rock energy. Her self-written EP VENOM, released on February 14th, 2023, was co-produced with Matt Novesky of Blue October and Kelsey Flanagan at Orb Studios, showcasing her distinctive sound and musical prowess.
A proud alumna of the School of Rock in Round Rock, Kate has been a featured artist on various radio and TV shows and has graced the stage at numerous music festivals. She has shared the spotlight with notable rock musicians such as Orianthi, Lacey Sturm, Liliac, and Icon for Hire.
Kate teaches all levels of voice in IVA and mixed styles, as well as beginner piano and guitar. She is currently pursuing a degree in music business, performance, and technology, and is set to graduate in December 2024. Her passion for music and commitment to nurturing young talent make her an exceptional addition to the School of Rock in Cedar Park team.
Jeff Gonzalez
Drum Teacher
Jeff has been a gigging drummer in Austin for the last four years with original rock and metal bands, as well as several tribute bands, including tributes to Tool and A Perfect Circle. He started playing drums in church, drumline, and concert band, then shifted more to a live music focus. He is experienced in transcription work, composition/arranging drum parts, music videography, and teaching students of all age groups.
Grant Peters
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Grant has been performing in bands for most of his life. He first picked up the bass in middle school, joining the Summer Street Band and playing at venues throughout Houston until the group disbanded as members left for college.
At the University of Houston, Grant continued to play in various bands and honed his skills in music production. From his bedroom studio, he recorded and released over 100 songs, playing every instrument himself—guitar, bass, drums, keys, and vocals. After college, Grant taught at School of Rock in Houston before relocating to Austin, where he now plays bass for the Kristen Gibbs Band.
School of Rock is where music and learning come together
For over twenty years, our amazing instructors have transformed hundreds of thousands of students across the world into skilled musicians. Become a musician at School of Rock.