Mousike, the Greek word for music, is inspired by the static, lower portion of this sculpture. This part resembles the treble or G clef found at the beginning of a musical staff. The vertical beginning of the kinetic, spiral arm is located at the exact top of the treble clef.

The wood used for this sculpture is red gum. The color is the natural color of this hardwood found throughout southeastern United States. The base of Mousike is coral stone, an ancient, ocean bottom that dates back 65-130 million years. Coral stone is now quarried in the southeastern United States and throughout the Caribbean.