Franz Winteler began to play the panpipes in summer 1978. Already after one year of intensive practice he was proficient enough to give first concerts, accompanied by the organ. Only years later did he recognise that he had been one of the first of those who were responsible for promoting the status of the panpipes as a popular instrument. Easily he mastered this new challenge and devoted himself to becoming his own teacher. He was guided by innumerable recordings of Romanian musicians, pieces he learned to analyse and to interpret. As is typical for traditional folk songs, Romanian folk music has not been handed down in writing. This lack of written music motivated Franz Winteler to write down already existing songs, and finally also to compose his own work.

Today it is evident that Franz Winteler has considerably influenced the development of music for panpipes in Switzerland. He has written numerous pieces for panpipes and organ or piano. One of his first pieces for panpipes and strings received its premiere in 1983, conducted by Brenton Langbein. In 1990 a CD was released, displaying Winteler's compositions and arrangements. A main focus of his still is the adaptation of existing pieces of music; to make them available to panpipes players. Many of his pieces were performed in co-operation with well-known conductors and orchestras. Winteler's commitment to the panpipes supported its becoming a distinguished and widely appreciated instrument.