What they did with Bard was what they should have done with Sona from the beginning

Sona should have only emitted musical ques instead of speaking telepathically to the summoner. She had been clearly stated to be mute, so it's naturally off-putting to hear her "mental" voice. It's also silly to give her telepathy when nowhere in her lore does it indicate she has that ability. I know there is the "summoner link" thing to argue, but either way it didn't need to be done.

Musical ques for Sona would have been much more interesting and immersive. Perhaps when she gets a full VU, that can be changed because of summoners and the Institute no longer being a thing, although that no doubt won't be happening within the next couple years.