John Legend: 'School music cuts dangerous'

John Legend has insisted that proposed cuts to arts programmes in US schools will stifle creativity among young people.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, the 'Ordinary People' singer warned politicians that voters might react harshly if too many education programmes are slashed.

"I hope our politicians will not think that they are expendable and they can just get rid of them and nobody will feel the pain," he said, according to The AP. "Because I think society will feel the pain."

Legend, who has scored two platinum-selling albums, went on to assert that he is discouraged by increased anger in the rhetoric used by many politicians.

"I'm really frustrated with some of the discourse that's coming out of Washington," he said.

The musician was at the White House to perform in a special tribute to the Motown music label's extensive history.