Can Bards Cast Spells Without Needing To Be Initiated?

The RAW does not require a bard to play an instrument to cast their spells. From a rules-as-interpreted (RAI) perspective, it is suggested that bards can use their instruments as the medium for casting spells without their instrument. The Component Pouch is the main way to cast spells with inexpensive Material Components without needing an Instrument. However, it is not believed that bards can play the instrument while casting a spell that causes any of its targets to be charmed on a failed saving throw, thereby imposing disadvantage on the bard.

Bards can use a musical instrument as a spellcasting focus for their bard spells, provided they have the necessary spell slot available. Each time a bard gains a level, they can replace a spell they know with a new one. Bards can cast via song, oration, dance, etc., and can use a musical instrument as a spell focus in place of material components. However, there is no requirement to do so.

As far as I know, there are not instruments classified as weapons. Bards can only use musical instruments as a spell focus (as opposed to weapons) without the risk of taking damage. Anyone who plays the instrument can cast a spell. Your bard spells should require you holding your instrument but not the sorcerer spells. It would be interesting to see how they do that.