Hi, I’m Robert.

I help educate future leaders of the music industry and I help organizations solve problems with technology.

As Head of R&D at SongSleuth, I build custom machine-learning pipelines that analyze metadata, audio, and images to solve complicated problems for clients including Warner Chappell Music Publishing.

Checkout SongSleuth.io to learn more.

As a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Coordinator of Music Business at UIC, I oversee the B.A. in Music Business curriculum, instruct courses, and serve in college and university governance.

I serve as the principle investigator of the Chicago Hip-Hop History Project. Launched in 2024, the project is in partnership with the Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Museum and generously supported by the UIC Award for Creative Activity.

What Students are Saying

“The UIC music business program set me up for success with Professor DiFazio’s hands-on approach to work. Mock calculations and assignments within Excel are highly relevant in my career today. I was always pushed to go for significant opportunities and given feedback. Without the guidance of Professor DiFazio and the UIC community, I wouldn’t have had the push to end up at UMG.”


Chason Rice
Class of 2023
Billing Coordinator
Universal Music Group
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“UIC’s music business program offers a pragmatic breakdown of various paths in the music industry. Professor DiFazio’s experience and guidance allow students to explore many opportunities for success in this field. Thanks to this comprehensive approach and exceptional professors at UIC’s STM gave me the room to succeed—securing a dream career at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.”

Emily Fine
Class of 2023
Public Programs Coordinator
Country Music Hall of Fame
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