Assistant principal horn to his uncle in the Detroit Symphony at age 16. Soloist with Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, Los Angeles (1936-1944), Fox Studios, Hollywood Bowl and Boston Symphony (1947-1973).

Before his twenty-six year reign as principal horn in the Boston Symphony, Stagliano played for many Hollywood soundtracks, including Gone with the Wind and Fantasia.

He was a natural player, and had few students. On teaching students he remarked: "I don't pamper them. I teach them how to play high and low, loud and soft, and then I throw them out."