About Us
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La Mere Music Studio is a husband and wife teaching duo whose goal is to educate and build up the next generation of musicians and singers.
Nikki Taylor La Mere
Nikki Taylor La Mere has been singing since she was a young child, always drawn to the power of music and its ability to connect and inspire. Alongside her passion for music, she has a deep love for education, holding certifications in Early Childhood Development, Special Education, and Child, Youth, and Family Advocacy, as well as being a certified Child and Youth Forensic Interviewer.
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For many years, Nikki served as the Director of Camp Freedom at Freedom Tabernacle Ministries, working with children and youth from Pre-K through 12th grade. She also coordinated and led ECamp, a four-year summer camp in Smyth County, VA. Beyond camp ministry, she directed the youth choir, adult choir, and multiple productions at Freedom Tabernacle, helping young artists grow in their gifts.
Nikki has traveled and trained in musical theatre under Teresa Nevola Moyer in Lancaster, PA, even performing alongside America’s Got Talent finalist Donald Braswell. Always eager to refine her craft, she attended the National Praise and Worship Institute certification program at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. She majored in voice under the mentorship of Tasha Layton and Diane Sheets and minored in songwriting under Benji Cowart. This dedication led to incredible opportunities, including performances with NewSong, Travis Ryan, and Zach Williams, as well as recording background vocals for Casting Crowns and Mandisa.
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After returning to her roots in Smyth County, VA, Nikki and her husband, Daniel, began offering private music lessons from their home studio. What started as a small venture grew into La Mere Music Studio, where they have been teaching together for eight years, working with hundreds of students and families. The studio has since expanded to offer group classes, recording sessions, and more. For the past two years, La Mere Music Studio has also been honored to teach at the Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts.
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Beyond teaching, Nikki and Daniel travel and perform in their trio, Of the Day, writing and recording original music in Nashville. One of their original songs was recently recorded by the #1 Southern Gospel charting group, Down East Boys. They have also shared the stage with The Nelons, Karen Peck and New River, The Sound, and have opened for CCM artists like Mac Powell and Riley Clemmons. Their performances have taken them to Singing in the Sun, NQC, Graceland, and The Ark Encounter’s 40 Days and 40 Nights Music Festival.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Nikki is dedicated to using music to inspire, encourage, and uplift others.
Daniel La Mere
Born and raised in Panama City, FL, Daniel La Mere is a classically trained pianist and 11-time award-winning instrumental soloist. His love for music started early—at just three years old, he was banging on pots and pans, unknowingly setting the stage for a lifelong passion. By the time he was five, he gave his first-ever performance at church, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical journey.
Throughout his school years, Daniel was heavily involved in music. He played in every audition-based All-County band from 5th through 12th grade and was selected for the inaugural year of the Florida Bandmasters Association's Nine Star Honor Band in Orlando, FL, made up of the top high school band members in the state. At Bay High School, he
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served as Drum Major of the Million Dollar Band during the 2015-2016 school year and was a drummer for Bay Blast, the school's top-performing ensemble. In July 2015, he also had the honor of performing with the Panama City Symphony Orchestra. His dedication and musicianship earned him the Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award in 2016.​
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By age 12, Daniel was leading worship at his home church, a path that eventually led him to Nashville, TN, where he studied Worship at Trevecca Nazarene University’s National Praise and Worship Institute. There, he honed his craft under the mentorship of Benji Cowart and Ross King. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Production from Full Sail University in 2022.
Daniel’s musical journey has been nothing short of incredible. He has recorded on Mandisa’s song Bleed the Same and has had the opportunity to perform with NewSong multiple times. In 2019, he took on the role of choir director and general music teacher at Chilhowie Middle and High School in Virginia, sharing his passion for music with the next generation.
Today, Daniel travels and sings with Of the Day, a gospel group featuring his wife Nikki, their close friend Rachel, and his drum student Hayden.
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Beyond performing, Daniel is also a certified piano technician as of December 2024, bringing his deep understanding of the instrument into every aspect of his work. Whether on stage or behind the keys, he is dedicated to bringing music to all walks of life.