Born in 1959 in Hampstead, London, Phillip Stallwood is credited with the nurture and development of music making in the Sultanate of Oman and is commonly referred to as "Mr. Music of Muscat".

His early career was in Sherborne, Dorset, where he quickly established himself in all spheres of musical activity, and he was the Assistant Director of Music at Sherborne School for Girls and Assistant Organist of Sherborne Abbey.