[8] His first choice of career was architecture, and in 1953 began taking classes at the School of Mines and the Faculty of Engineering at Adelaide University, but despite achieving passing grades,[9] he quit after two years to work as a clerk for C.O.R., later taken over by BP.
Nettelbeck received some training in piano from a Mrs Crotchet from age five, and from another teacher for three years, but made little progress through lack of practice.
A year later Smith left for the In Melbourne Tonight band, to be replaced by Graeme Lyall and the bandleader seat by Nettelbeck, who picked up other work, writing arrangements for the Graham Kennedy - Bert Newton show.
There he got a full-time seat at the Feathers Hotel, Burnside, meanwhile enrolling at the University of Adelaide Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in music.
During these studies, in which he succeeded beyond anyone's expectations, he took up Psychology, earning a PhD degree, then accepted a teaching position with the University and quit "The Feathers".