He became a minor canon in 1612, took holy orders in 1614 and was named precentor of the cathedral in 1623. Although he was a churchman, Pilkington composed largely secular music—ayres, madrigals, and lute songs.
In 1612, he became a minor canon; in 1614, he took holy orders; and in 1623, he was named precentor of the cathedral. Regardless of his religious status, Pilkington wrote predominantly secular music—ayres, madrigals, and lute songs.