Ryan & ZsaZsa Clifford
Co-Owners
Beethoven said, “Music can change the world.” Ryan and ZsaZsa Clifford believe it—and built Sparks Music School to prove it.
Music has always been central to their lives. ZsaZsa grew up inspired by classical concerts in her native Hungary, while Ryan found his passion learning and performing rock music on guitar. When their son Liam was born, they knew they wanted music to be part of his life from the very beginning.
As parents, they searched for a music school that offered consistency, excellence, and a clear path for growth—but couldn’t find one that truly delivered. So they created it.
Drawing on their experience as business owners, parents, and lifelong music lovers, Ryan and ZsaZsa founded Sparks Music School in Granbury, Texas. Their goal was simple but powerful: build a school where music is taught with intention, students are supported long-term, and every musical journey is valued.
Bobby-Ray Adams
Teacher
Bobby Ray Adams, known as B-Ray, is a passionate musician and educator with a deep-rooted love for music that spans multiple genres and instruments. With over 40 years of experience as a performer, songwriter, and producer, B-Ray brings a wealth of practical knowledge and creative energy to his teaching. His musical journey began with mastering the guitar, inspired by blues legend B.B. King, and evolved into a diverse career that includes singing, composing, and exploring innovative sounds. B-Ray’s teaching philosophy centers on fostering creativity, building technical skills, and encouraging students to find their unique voice in music. Whether guiding beginners or mentoring advanced learners, he combines his decades of real-world experience with a supportive, hands-on approach to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Chris Bateman
Teacher
Hey there! I’m Chris Bateman, a music teacher based in Granbury with over 30 years of experience. I specialize in guitar wirh an emphasis on rock music. I also do guitar repair and modification to make your guitar play its best. I have 10 years in concert lighting and production, and I have worked with the best musicians in rock and roll. I love making learning music fun for all ages. I focus on nurturing creativity and skill development in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether your child is a beginner or more advanced, I’m here to help them grow and express themselves through music. I have been playing guitar since I was 13 and have a wealth of knowledge on musical equipment to get you to sound and play your best. I can’t wait to meet you and your musician!
David Bailiff
Teacher
David Bailiff is a gifted classical pianist and dedicated educator whose musical journey began as a student at Sparks Music School. Now serving as Sparks’ classical piano instructor, David brings a strong sense of discipline, artistry, and high expectations to his teaching. He challenges students to pursue excellence in technique and musical expression, encouraging them to work hard and think deeply about their music. While his standards are high, David’s students thrive under his guidance, motivated by his clear instruction, genuine encouragement, and commitment to helping them reach their full potential. His balance of structure and inspiration has made him both a respected and well-loved teacher within the Sparks community.
Belinda "Bee" Williams
Teacher
We are excited to have Belinda Williams as Sparks’ early childhood and alternative learner specialist! Although Ms Bee, as she is affectionately called, is new to our teaching staff, she has been a part of the Sparks Family since we came to Granbury.
Although she has had many meaningful accomplishments in her life, her pride and
joy has been helping support the family she has been a nanny and house manager
for for the last 21 years. Now, as those children are grown and her own two sons are
adults, she is excited to turn her focus to nurturing the love of music in the students
of Sparks.
Her experience as a Pre-K teacher, working with special needs children, assisting
with children’s orchestra camps and love for music make her an excellent fit here at
Sparks. If you see Bee around, make sure to introduce yourself and we are sure you
will love her as much as we do!
Peter Blackwell
Peter a Texas Native, was the first person to ever graduate with honors at MCC getting an Associates Degree in commercial music. Then Peter went to NTSU where he studied composition, improvisation, and Jazz theory where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree.
During those years and moving forward Peter began his musical career touring with Ronna Reeves, Crysis, Bang Bang, and Vendetta. Opening for acts such as Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Ted Nugent, Vixen, and Reba McEntire.
After Vendetta was signed with Reality Records in Los Angeles, CA Peter spent 13 years there. Recording and doing post audio for the History Channel.
With the birth of his son, Peter moved back to Texas and just recently relocated to the Granbury area where he is thrilled to join the incredibly talented staff at Sparks Music. Peter is excited to share his passion, love of music, and experience with the Sparks students. Music has the ability to break down all barriers and is the magic every soul can hear.
Mandi Cruz
Teacher
Mandi grew up in a house where music was as much a part of life as breathing. Her dad was a trumpet player and local radio DJ in Snyder, TX and both of her parents were in the choir at church.
Mandi has a long history of involvement in community theatre, having been on stage since the age of 3. In school, she was involved in the orchestra and marching bands, and in show choir. Since graduating, she has taught music and motion for toddlers through 1st grade, founded an exploratory play group for preschoolers, was a nanny for children aged newborn through 2nd grade, and provided childcare and early learning in her home for almost a decade. Much of what she teaches is through song, and her mom has always joked that if Mandi doesn’t readily know a song for a given situation, she will simply make one up!
For the last 12 years, her focus has been on homeschooling her own children and sharing a love of music and theatre with them.
Carmen Wright
Teacher
Hello, My name is Carmen Wright, and I am a multi-instrumentalist with eleven years of experience in music. My primary instruments are flute, piccolo, piano, and guitar. I am excited to work with students of all ages and skill levels who are enthusiastic about learning. My musical journey includes studies in four programs: the Granbury ISD band program, the Granbury Opera House, the Tarleton Band Camp for middle and high school students, and Sparks Music School. I have also benefited from private instruction in a variety of instruments, including flute, piano, piccolo, guitar, voice, harp, and clarinet. Throughout middle and high school, I consistently achieved the highest scores in solo competitions on both flute and piccolo, and I have performed in numerous recitals. I believe music is a gift, and I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and passion with others through teaching.
Meredith League
Office Manager
Meredith has always had a strong love for music. Growing up in a family of musicians, she has many fond memories listening to her dad practice his guitar or saxophone in the living room or her mom playing the piano at church. Her love for music inspired her love of dance. She became the “black sheep” of the family, loving to dance to the music her family played rather than joining the band.
At 19 she became a professional ballroom dance instructor beginning a 12 year dream career for her. She loved getting to introduce students to the art that she was passionate about and watch as their confidence grew on the dance floor. At 26, she also began managing the studios she taught in.
In 2021, she married her husband, Trenton, and decided it was time to begin a new chapter in her career that would provide a better schedule for their growing family.
Meredith is so excited to be part of the Sparks family. She loves helping make your musical journey as easy as possible and is here to help with any questions. She is also excited to explore her love of music by taking lessons at Sparks herself!
Matt Fowler
Teacher
Matt’s passion for music began early, learning piano and singing from his mother as a child. As he grew, he added guitar and drums to his skillset and eventually joined the drumline in high school, where his love for rhythm, creativity, and performance really took shape. Over the years, Matt has been a part of several bands spanning genres like rock, folk, country, and jazz. He’s toured both nationally and internationally, performing at major festivals such as Warped Tour and South by South What?!, and has played shows across the U.S. and Europe. In addition to his work on stage, Matt is a seasoned songwriter and studio vocalist. He produces and records music and has a strong understanding of modern recording techniques and vocal production. Now a full-time musician and vocal coach, Matt brings a wealth of experience to every lesson at Sparks Music School. He’s passionate about helping students develop their voice, build confidence, and find joy in the creative process—whether it’s on stage, in the studio, or in the practice room.
Ted Stripling
Teacher
Hi, I’m Ted Stripling—a multi-instrumentalist with a deep love for live performance and a belief that music is more of a journey than a destination. I teach drums, percussion, bass, and guitar to students of all ages and backgrounds. Music has been part of my life from the beginning. My mother was a vocalist and music educator, and I picked up my first guitar when I was 9 years old. I started playing drums at 11, joined the middle school band, and began playing gigs by the time I was 16. In 2000, I attended the Berklee College of Music’s Five-Week Performance Program and performed in three of the five ensembles in the “Blow Out” concert at the end of the five weeks. In 2004 and 2005, I marched with the Tarleton State University marching band, and performed in percussion ensembles. This is my first official teaching role, and I’m still a student myself—constantly learning and growing. I bring that same mindset into every lesson, encouraging my students to enjoy the process, stay curious, and develop their own musical voice. If you’re ready to dive into music, I’d love to help you build your skills and confidence, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your playing.
Maren Kesinger
Teacher
Hi! I’m Maren, a piano teacher with 10 years of playing experience in classical piano, and four years of experience in percussion. I have been honored to receive several awards throughout my time as a musician, and I am excited to bring my experience into teaching. I focus on beginner students and love helping them build a strong foundation while having fun along the way. I can’t wait to help others—no matter the age—grow and find the same love and passion for music as I have!
Lucy Schenkenberger
Teacher
Lucy fell in love with the violin years before she ever played, begging her parents for one at just three years old. She has now been playing the violin for twelve years, and there is nothing that brings her more joy. Over the years, she’s performed both as a soloist and in orchestras, serving as Concertmaster of the North Idaho Youth Symphony and playing alongside members of the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra. Lucy is excited to share her love of music with students of all ages and believes that learning violin should be both rewarding and fun, with a balance of solid technique and creativity. She encourages students to treat their instruments as beloved companions, giving them names and making time to play with them often.
Preston Cave
Teacher
Preston Cave is a dedicated musician and educator at Sparks Music School, where he combines his passion for music with his extensive background in pastoral ministry. With a strong commitment to fostering creativity and discipline, Preston believes in the power of music as a universal language that connects and inspires. His journey began at age 15 when he started playing guitar, and he has since received both informal instruction and formal classical training. Preston has served in various roles within the community, including his current position as Pastor of Groups and Pastoral Care at StoneWater Church in Granbury, Texas. In addition to his pastoral work, Preston has contributed as a studio guitarist on several recording projects, collaborating with friends and fellow musicians. He is passionate about equipping students at Sparks Music School with the skills they need to thrive in their musical journeys, encouraging them to embrace their unique artistic expressions.
Ben Hardy
Teacher
Hey there! I’m Ben Hardy, saxophone and flute teacher with 15 years of music experience starting in middle school, playing in state level concert and jazz bands in high school and collegiately at Kansas State University. I’ve learned from many great teachers over the years and can’t wait to pass down the same enthusiasm for learning music and tools for getting better that have made me successful and love every part of the process of getting better!
Charlie Wilbanks
School Coordinator
Charlie is the friendly face and steady heartbeat of the Sparks Music School front office. A musician in her own right, Charlie plays violin and viola and is also a gifted vocalist with a classic, songbird-like sound. She brings years of experience as a stage and television actress, giving her a natural ease with people and a deep appreciation for the performing arts. Charlie keeps our front office running smoothly and joyfully, and she’s often the first person to welcome students and families into Sparks—making everyone feel instantly at home.
