The menu of a video game. The title is 'You Could Use A Nap'. It's a comfy home scene with multiple cats sleeping.

You Could Use A Nap

I wrote the music for You Could Use A Nap, a free, 2D retro-style platformer created for the GDEX 2026 Game Jam. You can play it directly in your web browser on itch.io. Guide the cats to their ultimate goal: a warm, moving patch of sunlight to fall asleep in. Which cat is your favorite?

Costume Conundrum

In Costume Conundrum, you play as Dot Vine, an actual witch helping kids on Halloween Night. Their costumes don't match! This must be fixed. Costume Conundrum was the first game I wrote the music for.

The menu of a video game. The title is 'Costume Conundrum' against a background of clouds.

When I think of music, I think of empowerment. Music can serve as a way to promote history, language, heritage, community, and a sense of belonging. Learning to sing or play an instrument builds confidence, discipline, and a sense of self. As a composer, I write behind the scenes to make your project fulfill its greatest potential.

I frequently collaborate with indie game developers to compose original soundtracks for their games. I also dabble in sound design; it's something I'm learning even more about! I'm also not constrained to digital audio: I write string orchestra and piano works ranging from fun pop to serious classical. Performing is fun, but watching others perform what I have written is my life's goal.

Outside of composition, I am a music educator and collaborative pianist based in Columbus, Ohio, and I am able to be hired for your function or event.

Music has always been Aster's life passion, and they love to share and help cultivate that passion with their students in music lessons. A nonbinary composer and pianist, Aster holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Miami University and a Masters in Music from Wright State University. Aster has arranged music for cabarets, accompanied vocal recitals, played recitals at anime conventions, released instrumental music on Spotify, and has even been sampled by the Wu-Tang Clan. In 2022, Aster had their orchestra piece, "Tone Poem in G Major 'Rain-Songs,'" premiered by the Wright State Chamber Orchestra as part of their Fall Strings Festival. Aster lives in Columbus, Ohio, with their spouse and their cats.

Need a pianist?

I'm the one for you. I am available for collaborative piano gigs, mood music performances, and even sheet music transcription services. Please contact me for a quote.

Email: asterkanke@gmail.com

Like merch?

So do I. That's why I started my own t-shirt shop, free of artificial intelligence and with my own designs. You can visit below, or contact me to suggest designs.