Walter already had a love for music. Already an accordion player, Walter began vocal lessons which he thought would help in his learning of the English language. During this time, the Heintzman piano factory had a facility across from Maple Leaf Milling Co. where Walter was working. Each day Walter would see the piano technicians coming and going, dressed better than himself, tool case in their hands. Walter’s vocal instructor, Betty Gemmill introduced him to the Heintzman brothers and by the late 50’s Walter had managed to secure a career change, apprenticing under Bill Metcalfe, one of Heintzman & Co.’s chief foremen.