Matthew Gilroy

I am an organised, creative, multi-talented and highly motivated individual, who is currently studying BSc Anthropology at UCL. My intention is to continue my education in Anthropology but also to expand my networking and involvement within other fields such as music production, film, voice overs, coding and scientific research, fashion, and promoter for clubs in London. It is through these multi-disciplinary fields that will allow me to have the opportunity for a broad career path. I have an interest in reading, film, listening to music, fashion and creative writing and regularly read books and blogs on a wide range of topics. I am also interested in History both ancient and modern, which has given me a good understanding of current affairs and the global context they relate to. I play the violin and I am preparing to take my Grade 8 practical exam. My interest in music enabled me to take part in school and extra- curricular activities. I sang in my school choir from year 7-9 and played in their Symphony Orchestra. I also played in the Camden Schools Orchestra on Saturdays and regularly take part in concerts at Fireworks Music School, Hampstead Quaker Meeting House and My Band. I applied for a Music Production summer school course at ICMP and have recently been accepted. Good musicianship requires discipline and practice, but I enjoy it because I can play solo or part of a group of other musicians which is a great way to socialise and network. Furthermore, being involved in both the classical and modern music fields I believe will be a significant asset to me in my music journey. I am a published writer. Indeed, I am published in The Poetry Trials - UK Voices. My professional experience in poetry and creative writing has set me up well for song writing across multiple genres of music. Having skills in not just the production of music but also song writing I hope will allow for great musical endeavours in my career. I have an interest in film, and during my first year Anthropology course I produced a 4-6 minute visual ethnography with a group of peers. Throughout the filmmaking process I obtained an understanding of Adobe Premiere Pro as well as the use of Canon XA11. The notion of “everyday life” is one which I am drawn to, and therefore the film presents life as lived with minimal cognitive bias. Ethnographic study is a field which I could potentially pursue in my career. I have a deep love for stories and storytelling in general, and this has influenced all aspects of my life. During my 2nd year I created a Documentary Radio piece, and its subject matter was the “lost” / “hidden” Windrush Generation. The Windrush Generation is becoming a metaphor for misrepresentation, and, because it’s a story that still has living participants, that is something we can rectify. The main aim of my radio documentary was to shed light on the hidden histories of the Windrush Generation that have not been represented by popular media; I believe my documentary showcases my ability to give unique insights and stand out in the ever-increasing knowledge market. I used the editing software Reaper, and can use it at a proficient level. Fashion is another branch that I am involved with, having produced fieldwork diaries as well as writing up Object Analyses during University study. This allowed me to form connections with students and staff from neighbouring London universities such as CSM and LCF. I recently combined my passion for fashion with my interest in film, as during an internship this Summer I produced the LCF UNDERGRADUATE CATWALK AND SALON SHOWS '24 FILM, shot and edited by me, which released on the 20th of July 2024. Not only did I greatly develop my cinematography in this project, but also my editing skills. I believe in general that I have a passion for the Arts, and an exhibition that has recently stood out to me would be the Isaac Julien show at Tate Britain titled ‘What Freedom Is To Me’. I also have an interest in voice overs, and during my first year Anthropology course I made a podcast with its content concerning biological anthropology. One of the biggest challenges was, of course, the recording, and I believe that the recording process has given me good experience for potential voice over career paths I take in the future. Creating scientific reports, and conducting surveys and interviews in my Anthropology course allowed me to gain an understanding of scientific method and research, but most importantly coding in the development environment RStudio. I am a hardworking student with an ability to meet deadlines and produce work to a high standard, working independently and as a team, demonstrated in my individual projects such as scientific reports and documentary filmmaking, group projects including ethnographic filmmaking and podcast making, and internship work. These projects have helped build my communication skills and I have learnt how to negotiate tasks with other individuals. I work as a Saturday Assistant for Camden School for Girls during term time. To meet the high standards of the job you have to be reliable, punctual, and hard-working, with a music background. You have to set-up rooms, set-up orchestras, move equipment around the site, photocopy, welcome parents and students and generally be a good ambassador for the Camden Music Service. These required skills have only improved throughout my year so far working there. The ability to balance this job with my University commitments through my 2nd year and into my 3rd demonstrates my tenacity and organisation. I enjoy sports and gym and have represented my school in both Hockey and basketball but I also enjoy tennis.

• 06/01/15, Entry Year 7 Art Prize
• 09/01/15, Finalist Young Writers Poetry Competition
• 06/01/16, Junior Mathematical Olympiad and Kangaroo- United Kingdom Mathematics Trust
• 10/31/16, Poem Published in The Poetry Trials - UK Voices Edited by Tessa Mouat
• 06/01/17, Lower School Linguistics Certificate of Excellence - UCS School
• 04/09/19, Intensive Spanish language course - International House Valencia
• Violin ABRSM Grades 1-8

• Film
• Music
• Fashion
• Creative Writing
• History
• Voice Overs