Vertex operator algebras (VOAs) and their modules define sheaves of conformal blocks over the moduli space of stable curves. In today's talk I will describe how we can study the properties of a VOA, and their conformal blocks, through a family of associative algebras associated with it, which we call Mode Transition Algebras(MTAs). As Angela has discussed in her talk, these algebras are a valuable tool to understand the representation theory of V. In my talk I will describe how degeneration of conformal blocks to nodal curves---behavior which is not fully understood for non-rational VOAs---can be translated into intrinsic properties of the MTAs. This is based on a joint work with A. Gibney and D. Krashen.