Modulate!

"Modulate!"

In music, modulation is most commonly the act or process of changing from one key to another. This may or may not be accompanied by a change in key signature. Modulations articulate or create the structure or form of many pieces, as well as add interest.

A recurring gag within the Muppets' musical performances is a character announcing a modulation just before it occurs by shouting "modulate." This tells the group of characters, or the audience, that it's time for a quick key change.

Instances

 * Fozzie tells Rowlf to modulate when the two are playing "English Country Garden" on The Muppet Show.
 * Fozzie tells the Muppets to modulate during the "Brotherhood of Man" musical number in I Love Liberty.
 * Kermit and Robin announce their modulation during the opening theme for the Muppet Babies "Yes, I Can" videos.
 * Rowlf announces the modulation when performing "Old Dog Trey" on Ol' Brown Ears is Back.
 * Gonzo tells Rizzo to modulate when the two are singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" on A Green and Red Christmas.
 * Gonzo also tells the Muppets (Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggy, Rizzo and Pepe) to modulate during their 2009 performance of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" on "Christmas in Rockefeller Center".