Finding Sharp Key Signatures When Given the Name of the Key

1. Go down 1/2 step from the name of the key
2. Go through the order of sharps until you reach that pitch
3. That is the number of sharps found in that key

EXAMPLE                                                                                              
 Given A Major
1. Go down 1/2 step from A = G#
2. Go through the order of sharps until you reach G#: F# C# G#
3. A Major has 3 sharps.  They are: F# C# G#