During high school, inspired by the film adaption of Dr. Zhivago, he started studying Russian on a program to Cornell University.
His doctoral thesis was on "The Operas of Sergei Prokofiev and Their Russian Literary Sources," for which he spent an academic year in the Soviet Union.
[1] At Northeastern, he has also served as chair of Modern Languages (1996–99), Cinema Studies (acting director, 1998–99), International Affairs Program (2000-2001 advisor), and Department of History (2013–14).
[1] Robinson has delivered public lectures at the Boston Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Music Center Opera, Guggenheim Museum, San Francisco Symphony, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Aspen Music Festival and Bard Festival.
[1] He has worked as a consultant for performing arts organizations and has served as writer and commentator for PBS, NPR and the Canadian Broadcasting System.