[1] Educated at Sevenoaks School,[4] Stilgoe went on to study music at the University of Southampton[5] achieving a First Class degree.

After spending a year performing on cruise ships, Stilgoe continued his musicianship at Trinity College of Music.

[6] During his time at Trinity College, he began to get noticed in bars and clubs, with a long term residency at The Dorchester hotel, London.

Stilgoe has participated in numerous recording sessions as both a pianist and singer; including the single "Elephant" by Alexandra Burke.

Stilgoe also appeared on The Now Show in 2011 and 2013, was previously a member of BBC Radio 4's The Horne Section with Alex Horne, and hosts Joe Stilgoe & Friends at Ronnie Scott's, a gala featuring comedians, musicians, and performance acts.